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What are Science Based Targets? 

Science Based Targets (SBTs) are widely recognized as the gold standard for setting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. Rooted in climate science, SBTs help companies align their emissions reduction goals with the level of decarbonization required to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. 

 

In essence, SBTs act as a compass, guiding businesses toward meaningful GHG reductions and supporting the global transition to a net-zero economy. By setting targets based on scientific evidence, companies can ensure that their climate strategies are ambitious, effective, and aligned with international climate goals. 

 

What do SBTs cover? 

SBTs cover GHG emissions reductions across a company’s operations, focusing on both scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct and energy-related emissions) and, increasingly, scope 3 emissions (value chain emissions). In response to the specific needs of certain industries, the Science Based Targets initiative has introduced sector-specific guidance, including the Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) targets. 

 

The FLAG sector is critical, as it accounts for nearly 22% of global emissions. The SBTi’s FLAG guidance provides companies in the agriculture, forestry, and land-use sectors with tailored criteria and methods to set emissions reduction targets. This includes strategies for reducing deforestation, improving land management, and aligning agricultural practices with science-based targets. 

 

Key elements of SBTs include: 

  • Target setting: Companies must set targets consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement, limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. 
  • Net-zero commitment: The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) introduced its Net-Zero Standard in 2021, providing companies with a clear roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions. 
  • Sector-specific standards: In addition to the Net-Zero Standard, the SBTi has introduced sector-specific guidance, such as FLAG, which addresses emissions from forest, land, and agriculture sectors. 

 

As of March 2023, more than 4,000 companies worldwide have adopted SBTs, with over 2,300 companies receiving validation from the SBTi. These organizations are leading the way in the fight against climate change by committing to measurable, science-based targets. The SBTi's 2021 Progress Report highlighted that one-third of the global market capitalization has committed to climate action aligned with SBTs, addressing 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions across scopes 1 and 2. Notably, a reduction of 53 million tonnes of CO2 emissions was achieved in 2021 alone. 

 

The introduction of the Net-Zero Standard has further empowered over 170 companies to validate their net-zero targets, ensuring that they are on a credible path toward long-term sustainability. 

 

YouSustain SBT Services 

At YouSustain, we offer specialized consulting services to help your company navigate the Science Based Targets journey. Our services include: 

  • Target Preparation: Assisting your organization in understanding and setting science-based targets that align with climate science and industry best practices. 
  • Application and Submission: Guiding you through the process of submitting your targets for validation by the SBTi, ensuring all requirements are met for a successful approval. 
  • Net-Zero Target Setting: Offering expertise in the Net-Zero Standard, helping your company develop a robust net-zero strategy. 

 

Our SBT team, led by Fanny Hansen, has broad-ranging  experience in guiding companies through the SBT process. Fanny has helped numerous organizations set and validate their targets, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of a net-zero future. 

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