Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
The SBTi helps companies set science-based emission reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Agreement.
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a leading global organization that supports companies and financial institutions in setting greenhouse gas emissions targets based on solid scientific evidence. Its central concern is to align actions against climate change with the goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly the aim of limiting global warming to well below 2°C, ideally to a maximum of 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
Founded in 2015, the SBTi emerged as a collaboration among prominent organizations such as CDP, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In 2023, it was registered as a charity with a complementary subsidiary for target validation (SBTi Services Limited) in the UK.The SBTi defines rigorous standards, develops tools, and publishes guidelines for setting science-based emissions reduction targets. These standards ensure that corporate climate commitments are in line with the latest scientific findings. The initiative independently evaluates the targets submitted by companies and validates them, thereby creating credibility and transparency for stakeholders.
A major milestone was the launch of the world's first Net-Zero Standard in October 2021, which provides companies with a comprehensive framework to formulate robust net-zero targets. This standard requires organizations not only to reduce their own emissions but also to consider the impacts within their supply chains. By the end of 2023, more than 4,000 companies had already had their targets validated by the SBTi, highlighting the rapid adoption of the initiative across various sectors.
The SBTi has established itself as a key advisor for corporate decarbonization strategies and is committed to translating complex scientific requirements into actionable steps to promote significant emissions reductions worldwide.
