Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

Why in News?

SBTi hit 10,000 companies with validated science-based targets, up from 1,000 in 2021 and over 2,800 new ones alone, signalling massive corporate climate momentum.
Accelerating Corporate Net-Zero Standard (CNZS) 2.0 for release, with priorities on flexible Scope 3 emissions handling, new financial sector guidance, and public consultations.

Overview

Founded as a collaboration between CDP, UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and WWF; became a UK charity in 2023.
Provides standards, tools, and validation for companies to align GHG reduction targets with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway and net-zero by 2050.
Covers corporate, financial, and sector-specific standards like automotive; over 10,000 entities validated globally by 2026.

How It Works

Companies submit term targets based on SBTi criteria; technical experts review for alignment, providing feedback.
Approved targets must be publicly announced within 6 months and progress reported annually via sustainability reports or websites.
Validation confirms targets are ambitious, using approved pathways; non-compliance triggers re-review.

Key Standards

Standard	Focus	Updates
Corporate Net-Zero	Science-based net-zero targets	V2.0 in 2026: Flexible Scope 3, indirect mitigation options, non-emissions metrics.
Financial Institutions	Sector emissions guidance	New guidance released; applies post-2027.
Automotive Net-Zero	Vehicle makers' goals	2026 consultation on draft.

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