Science-Based Targets Service

Set your emission reduction targets in line with the latest climate science

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Science-based targets are emission reduction trajectories modelled on the latest climate science. We can help any organisation regardless of size or industry set science-based targets and reduce its environmental impact. If you require further help understanding how you can reach your targets, we can also provide a full net-zero package including tailored recommendations, a roadmap for reduction, and a bespoke scenario modelling tool.

Who is this service for?

Small and medium sized organisations

Fewer than 500 employees

Companies with fewer than 500 employees are defined by SBTi as SMEs, and therefore will follow the simplified SME pathway for both near-term and long-term (net-zero) targets. SMEs submit pre-defined targets for validation directly omitting the initial step of committing.

Large organisations

Companies with 500+ employees

Companies with 500+ employees sign up for near-term and long-term (net-zero) targets by registering with the SBTi and submitting a commitment letter. Once committed, they will have up to two years to set the targets and have them validated by SBTi.

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Why is it important to set science-based targets?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that we have until 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5C by mid- Science Based Targets century to avert catastrophic climate change and a global threat to all living creatures.

What are the benefits?

Future proof your business – address your transitional climate risk to ensure survival in a decarbonised future.
Cost-effective – By setting SBTs, your organisation becomes more efficient in its operations and supply chains.
Opportunity to innovate – scope to innovate your product or service offering, or your entire business model.
Positive for reputation – stakeholders and customers place value on companies with ambitious environmental goals and increasingly require suppliers to have SBTs in place.
Improve credibility – your commitment can improve your stance in the market as an increasing number of organisations are divesting from those involved in fossil fuel production or consumption.
Regulation and resilience – as national governments continue to work to implement the Paris agreement and increase the ambition of country-level pledges, more stringent organisational regulations are likely to follow.

How Green Element can help set your targets

To set SBTs, you must first have a baseline carbon footprint against which to set targets. We can work with you to calculate a baseline carbon footprint using our carbon footprinting services, or alternatively work collaboratively to understand your baseline carbon footprint calculation should you already have begun calculating it.

There are many ways Green Element can help your organisation set rigorous SBTs depending on the following:

Organisation size: Green Element follow the different SBTi target-setting guidance documents depending on whether you are an SME (<500 employees) or a larger organisation (500+ employees) for both near-term and net-zero science-based targets.
Industry: Green Element follow industry-specific SBTi target-setting guidance to ensure you can set specific SBTs according to your industry.
Target dates: Green Element can help set both near-term (5-10 years from the baseline) and longer-term net-zero targets.
Validation: Green Element can take your company through the SBTi official validation process and ensure you are listed on the SBTi website. For larger organisations, this requires a Scope 3 screening assessment and full Scopes 1-3 emissions inventory. However, we do not want organisations to be put off setting SBTs if they do not have the resources to complete the rigorous validation process. Therefore, we can also help set targets in line with the SBTi target-setting criteria for those not yet ready to validate! For SMEs, there is a more streamlined route for target setting and validation.

Once the above has been discussed and decided, Green Element will set your SBTs according to the relevant SBTi guidance and tools. If you want further help understanding how you can reach your targets, we can also provide a full net-zero package including tailored reduction recommendations, a roadmap for reduction, and/or a bespoke scenario modelling tool.

Need help with Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) target-setting?

The Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) FLAG Guidance ‘provides the world’s first framework for companies in land-intensive sectors to set science-based targets that include land-based emission reductions and removals’. If you need help with FLAG, let us know when you book your SBT consultation call.

Certification

Companies can commit to setting near-term and net-zero targets with the SBTi by registering online and submitting the commitment letter. Committed companies are publicly listed as ‘Committed’ on the SBTi website and its partner website, We Mean Business.

Once targets have been validated by the SBTi, companies (and their validated targets) will be listed on the SBTi website.