Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is an organisation that enables companies to set emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. Its primary goal is to help businesses align their environmental strategies with the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. SBTi offers a robust framework for organisations to commit to science-based targets that are independently assessed and validated, providing a clear pathway towards net-zero emissions.
The organisation is structured as a collaboration between key partners, including CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and WWF. It focuses on supporting businesses, financial institutions, and cities in developing science-based emissions reduction strategies. SBTi has a clear methodology for validating targets, ensuring that they are consistent with the latest climate science and aligned with global climate goals.
In the realm of sustainable finance, SBTi plays a pivotal role by offering guidance for financial institutions looking to align their portfolios with science-based climate targets. Financial institutions can set targets that decarbonise their investment portfolios, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change. This makes SBTi highly relevant for the finance sector, particularly in the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting and sustainable investment.
SBTi also provides a range of practical tools, resources, and databases, including target-setting tools and sector-specific guidance. These tools support organisations in monitoring progress, understanding industry benchmarks, and identifying areas for improvement in their sustainability strategies. By providing a science-backed framework for emissions reductions, SBTi ensures that companies can make measurable, impactful progress towards reducing their carbon footprint and supporting global sustainability efforts.
The SBTi mobilizes the private sector to take the lead on urgent climate action.
The SBTi receives three different sources of funding:
- Core funding
- Project-specific funding for specific time-limited projects to develop new sector guidance or update specific standards
- Validation service fees to recover the cost of running our target validation service
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