What does "Science Based Target Initiative" mean ?

The Science Based Target Initiative, better known as the SBTi, is an initiative that seeks to improve the global stance on climate change by providing companies who choose to apply for it with scientific data to help them set their carbon emissions reduction targets. The main goal of the SBTi is to reduce emissions globally through the help of science.

Developed with the goals of the Paris Agreement in mind, the SBTi can help organizations to align themselves with the goals in the international treaty – specifically, limiting global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.

Founded in 2015 by the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the SBTi provides companies with a standardized framework, guidance, and more to help ensure their current carbon reduction targets are rooted in climate science as opposed to sterile, more-difficult-to-approach corporate goals.

Key features of the SBTi

• Application & Commitment which is when a company publicly commits to setting a science-based target within 24 months.
• Target Development which is when the company develops its target following SBTi criteria and sector-specific guidance.
• Validation which is when the SBTi reviews and validates the target to ensure it meets scientific requirements.
• Disclosure to ensure that the target is published on the SBTi website, and the company reports progress annually.

The SBTi is important as it highlights the importance and effectiveness of science-based criteria in conjunction with climate action by aligning business strategies with global decarbonization pathways. These targets must include significant scope 1, 2 and even scope 3 emissions to ensure robust strategies are in place. 

Examples in practice:

• A global clothing company commits to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 aligned with the 1.5°C pathway demonstrated in the Paris agreement – and to achieve this goal, they end up engaging suppliers to cut Scope 3 emissions.
• A tech company shifting to the use of 100% renewable energy and implements energy efficiency measures across data centers to meet SBTi targets.
  

FAQ

Who can join the SBTi?

Any company, regardless of size or sector, can apply to the SBTi, but their targets must meet the SBTi’s rigorous criteria.

Are SBTi targets legally binding?

No, SBTis are not legally binding – but failing to comply with this public commitment could hinder a company’s transparency, trust, and result in poor reputational accountability.

How is “science-based” determined?

Science based targets are qualified as such if they are in line with the emissions reductions needed to limit warming to 1.5°C or well below 2°C, according to IPCC scenarios.

Does SBTi address net zero?

Yes, the SBTi does address net-zero with their own Net-Zero Standard, which helps guide companies as to what credible corporate net-zero targets should include.

How many companies participate in the SBTi?

As of 2025, over 11,000 companies worldwide have set or committed to setting SBTi targets, covering diverse industries from manufacturing to finance.