June 16, 2025
When it comes to ambitious climate action, companies today are looking for reliable frameworks to guide them on their journey. Two of the most credible and well-known options are the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Exponential Roadmap Initiative, and in this article, we'll break down the differences between the initiatives to see which is best for your organization.
Climate leadership is no longer about whether to act, but how fast and how far companies are prepared to go. Two of the most credible and well-known options are theScience Based Targets initiative and the Exponential Roadmap Initiative. Both offer useful frameworks for building a climate strategy - but have slightly different focuses. It is important to understand the differences before starting work on either to see if Science Based Targets or Exponential Roadmap is best for your organization.
Here's a quick guide to help you understand the similarities and differences of the initiatives and which option might be best for your business.
Both SBTi and the Exponential Roadmap Initiative are based on science and what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.
They particularly emphasize:
- Rapid and deep emission reductions across the value chain.
- Integration of climate objectives into the overall business strategy
- Transparent reporting and external accountability.
| SBTi | Exopnential Roadmap | |
| Scope | Focuses on organization and the direct value chain. | Focuses on how companies can influence their stakeholders and society at large, beyond their own emissions. |
| Objective | Reach net zero by 2050. | Encourages companies to halve their emissions every decade and to develop climate solutions*. |
| Certification | In the approval of objectives and systematic reviews. | A membership model that requires public disclosure. |
*The Exponential Roadmap defines a climate solution as "A product or service that meets a need in society, contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and has significantly lower emissions than traditional alternatives."
Type of company
- If your company delivers a product, especially one with a complex and carbon-intensive value chain: SBTi might be better for you.
- If your company delivers a service where most of the emissions come from basic business operations: Exponential Roadmap might be better for you.
Ambition
- If your company wants to be a market leader in your sector: SBTi
- If your company is interested in leading the transition in society and influencing a wide range of stakeholders: Exponential Roadmap
Communication style
- If your company wants to communicate clear, defined goals: SBTi
- If your company is more focused on broad storytelling: Exponential Roadmap
