Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Founded in 2015, is a joint initiative of four international organizations: Carbon Disclosure Projects, United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and World Wild Fund for Nature. Its primary goal is to support businesses in their efforts to combat global warming.
SBTi's decarbonization targets are based on scientific knowledge and aim to keep global temperature increases below 2 Celsius degrees compared to 1850-1900 levels (the so-called pre-industrial era).
It currently brings together more than 4,000 companies globally[1]. Any organization regardless of sector or operational scale can join the initiative. To join the SBTi, an organization must go through a five-step process:
- Commitment - Intent to set a goal based on science;
- Developing a decarbonization strategy in line with SBTi goals;
- Verification - sending the application and validation by SBTi;
- Communication - publication of information on setting a target consistent with SBTi methodology;
- Disclosure - annual publication of information on the organization's emissions and information on the progress of the adopted commitment.
The main tasks of the Science Based Targets initiative include:
- Definition and promotion of best and science-based practices for reducing emissions and setting climate neutrality targets; providing expert resources and professional assistance to companies that set their climate targets by SBTi;
- Bringing together a team of experts to provide companies with independent assessment and validation of targets[2].
