But why should a company choose this particular path? Here are the main reasons why Science Based Targets a driving force for both climate action and business benefits.

From ambition to measurable action with the SBTi

Many companies communicate their ambition to reduce their climate impact at some unspecified point in the future. The SBTi, on the other hand, offers a concrete and clear four-step action plan:

1. Measure: Emissions are calculated across the entire value chain, in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
2. Setting goals: Specific reduction targets, both short-term and long-term, are set based on scientific requirements.
3. Validate: The targets are reviewed and approved by the SBTi before they are officially published.
4. Communicate: In the final step, the SBTi encourages companies to communicate their climate commitments in order to inspire and motivate others.

For SMEs, the SBTi offers a simplified and expedited process to reduce the administrative burden. Contact us if you’d like to learn more.

Enhanced competitiveness and credibility

By having a validated SBTi target, your company demonstrates credibility to investors, customers, and employees. Since these targets are strictly regulated and reviewed annually, they provide a credible foundation for your climate action, both domestically and internationally, as the standard is well-known worldwide. In addition, the SBTi provides a competitive edge in many regulations, standards, and processes.

Responsibility throughout the value chain (Scope 3)

One of the biggest challenges for companies is emissions that occur outside their own operations—that is, indirect emissions generated by suppliers or through the use of products. Spurred on by the SBTi, companies are being forced to look beyond their direct operations, which often leads to more efficient processes and lower costs.

“Ongoing Emissions Responsibility” – Balance Your Emissions

At ZeroMission , we believe that simply having a long-term goal of achieving net zero ZeroMission not ZeroMission . With the new concept of Ongoing Emissions Responsibility (OER), the SBTi encourages companies to take responsibility for their remaining emissions right now.

• By investing in certified climate projects—what is known as climate finance — your company can offset its emissions and contribute to global benefits, while working to reduce its emissions.
• Companies that do this may receive designations such as “Recognized” or “Leadership Company” from the SBTi, which further strengthens their brand.

The term OER replaces the previously established BVCM. Learn more about the change and what it means for your business here.

Innovation and Risk Mitigation

Transitioning to a low-carbon business model drives innovation. When your company must reduce emissions by at least 90% to achieve a long-term net-zero goal, new technical solutions and smarter, bolder ways of working are required. But transitioning is a business necessity if your company is to survive and remain relevant in the long term. SBTi is an important tool along the way.

Expert assistance with the SBTi Certified Expert Program

ZeroMission one of the few companies ZeroMission certified expert assistance in setting science-based climate targets in accordance with Science Based Targets. Our climate strategist, Rounak Niranjan, has completed the SBTi Certified Expert program, a training course designed for experienced specialists and consultants who wish to validate their expertise in setting science-based targets. Contact us to learn more.