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Oct 73 min read

What are science based targets?

We explain what science based targets are, the benefits of adopting them, and some of the challenges that companies might face in setting them. ⁠Science based targets (SBTs) are guidelines for companies looking to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to the global effort to tackle climate change.



But what exactly are SBTs, and why are they so important? SBTs are emissions reduction targets that are in line with the level of decarbonization required to keep the global temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. These targets are based on the latest climate science.


What are the main guidelines?

1. Science based targets must align with the level of decarbonization necessary to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.

2. Companies are encouraged to aim for even greater efforts, beyond the 2 degrees outlined by the Paris agreement, towards a 1.5-degree trajectory.

3. The targets should encompass scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. Scope 3 must also be included if these emissions make up 40% or more of your company's total emissions.

4. The targets should span a minimum of five years and a maximum of 15 years, and shouldn’t include emissions offsetting.

5. Emissions avoidance also doesn't count towards science based targets.

6. These targets must be created using the most recent methods and tools approved by the science based targets initiative.

7. Progress towards the targets must be reported annually.


What’s the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)?

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a partnership between four organizations: the Carbon Trust, CDP, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), that helps companies set science based targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

SBTi provides corporates, public sector bodies, and financial institutions with a methodology for setting their emissions reduction target in line with climate science.


How can companies set a science based target?

The process of setting science based targets usually involves the following steps:

1. Assess your company’s emissions This includes measuring and reporting on your company’s current and potential greenhouse gas emissions using a standardized reporting tool, such as the GHG Protocol.

2. Determine your reduction potential This step involves identifying your business’ potential to reduce emissions in line with the level of decarbonization required to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.

3. Set the target Based on your company’s emissions baseline and reduction potential, you then set a target that’s considered “science based”, meaning it aligns with the latest climate science.

4. Implement and monitor the target Once a target is set, you should implement strategies and actions to reduce your company's emissions, and regularly monitor and report on your progress towards achieving the target.

5. Review and validate You need to submit your targets for review by the SBTi. Once they’re approved, your company is officially recognized as having set a science based target.


How can VEEP help?

VEEP can help you measure and report your corporate GHG emissions in line with the GHG Protocol. Our platform makes it easy to manage data from your systems, staff and suppliers in order to accurately track your emissions and improve your sustainability performance.

VEEP addresses Scope 3 emissions directly by helping you engage with your suppliers to come up with an action plan to reduce emissions. We work with companies from many different sectors and tailor our support to your company's needs and emission reduction potential.

EE addresses Scope 3 emissions directly by helping you engage with your suppliers to come up with an action plan to reduce emissions. We work with companies from many different sectors and tailor our support to your company's needs and emission reduction potential.





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