Setting science-based targets is one of the most credible steps a business can take on climate, but knowing where to start isn't always straightforward. In this session, SBTi's Kim Schoppink and Vicky Cochrane walk through the full process: what the framework requires, how to choose the right target-setting method, and what the validation process actually looks like. Clear, practical, and jargon-free.

Key takeaways

• SBTi is growing fast, and businesses aren't stepping back. Nearly 12,000 companies have joined SBTi globally, with over 9,500 validated targets, a 45% increase from 2024. Despite headlines to the contrary, companies are embedding climate action into core operations.
• Setting targets has measurable business benefits. In a survey of 170 companies with SBTs, 91% reported an overall positive impact. Benefits cited include better alignment with supply chain and customer requirements (74%), improved competitiveness through energy cost reduction, stronger investor relationships (80%), and greater resilience to regulatory change.
• Not acting carries real economic risk. Unmanaged climate change could reduce the global economy by up to 40%, equivalent to $23 trillion, by 2050.
• A net zero target has four components: a near-term target (5–10 year horizon), a long-term target (90%+ emissions reduction by 2050 or sooner), optional beyond-value-chain mitigation, and neutralization of residual emissions through permanent carbon removals.
• The validation process takes 30 business days and is split across three stages: assessment, evaluation, and decision. Companies register via the SBTi Services Validation Portal before submitting.
• Multiple target-setting methods are available, including absolute contraction, physical and economic intensity, supplier engagement targets, and sector-specific approaches. The right method depends on company size, sector, and emissions profile.
• SMEs have a dedicated route. The standard process is designed for large companies and financial institutions; SBTi offers a separate, tailored pathway for small and medium-sized enterprises.
• The SBTi Academy is now live. A new e-learning platform offers training on the SBTi standard and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, with a certification pathway for consultants and sustainability professionals.