Science Based Targets Initiative

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) supports companies and financial institutions in making their contribution to mitigating climate change. With the help of the clear guidelines of the SBTi initiative, companies can set their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions based on science. The Science Based Targets Initiative

• develops and supports effective approaches to reducing emissions and achieving net zero targets based on the latest climate research.
• provides companies with methods and knowledge for setting emission reduction targets.
• has an expert team of specialists and scientists who carry out objective assessments and reviews of science-based targets.

The initiative emerged in 2015 from a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). To date, more than 6,000 companies worldwide work together with the Science Based Targets Initiative.

What are Science Based Targets (SBTs)?

Science-based climate targets enable companies to reduce their emissions in a targeted manner. The Science Based Targets initiative only recognizes targets that are necessary according to the findings of climate science in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement be achieved. This stipulates that global warming must be limited to below 2 degrees Celsius and no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this, global greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 and reduced to zero by 2050.

Setting targets according to the Science Based Targets Initiative

Companies go through a validation process to set science-based targets in accordance with the Science Based Targets Initiative:

• Commitment: Companies sign a declaration of commitment to express their intention to set Science Based Targets.
• Development: Within 24 months, they develop science-based targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
• Submission: They submit the developed targets to the Science Based Targets Initiative for evaluation.
• Validation: After the review, the targets are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative to confirm their consistency with scientific evidence.
• Communication and disclosure: Companies communicate their validated targets publicly and report regularly on their progress. 

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‍Theadvantages of the Science Based Targets Initiative for companies

In addition to the positive effect that the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative has on the planet, the companies themselves also benefit from various advantages: 

• Future-proof growth
• Cost savings

• Greater investor confidence

• Innovation and competitiveness

• Resistance to regulations

With Planted, we support your company in setting science-based climate targets. With the help of our holistic ESG software solution, you can automatically record and analyze your company's greenhouse gas emissions and set up a reduction pathway to Net Zero . Would you like to get to know our solution? Book a free consultation now.