A Science Based Target is a climate target aligned with what climate science considers necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees above the pre-industrial level. Rather than a self-chosen ambition, an organisation ties its reduction target to a scientific carbon budget: how much emission still fits within that limit. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) reviews and validates these targets according to fixed methods, so that they are credible and comparable.
What makes a target science based?
- Tied to a climate pathway — derived from a 1.5-degree scenario and the corresponding carbon budget.
- Concrete and time-bound — with a clear reduction percentage and a fixed term.
- Full in scope — including scope 1, 2 and, where relevant, scope 3.
- Independently reviewed — validated by the SBTi against fixed criteria.
The role of the SBTi
The Science Based Targets initiative provides the methods and the validation. Organisations can set near-term targets and a long-term net-zero target. Through this review, stakeholders know that a target not only sounds ambitious but also holds up scientifically.
Why scope 3 belongs in it
For most organisations, the largest share of emissions sits in the chain. A credible climate target therefore also includes scope 3, calculated according to the GHG Protocol. Without scope 3, the largest part of the impact stays out of view.
From target to plan
A target is a point of reference; the gain lies in the execution. That begins with a baseline measurement as a starting point and a strategy and action plan that translates the target into concrete measures and milestones. See From baseline measurement to reduction target.
How New Economy substantiates
New Economy calculates the footprint on a data-driven basis and translates a scientific reduction pathway into a workable plan. This way a climate target is not only set but also made achievable. See Footprint Baseline.
Frequently asked questions about Science Based Targets
A climate target derived from climate science and aligned with a 1.5-degree pathway. The reduction target is tied to a scientific carbon budget.
The Science Based Targets initiative provides the methods and reviews and validates organisations’ climate targets, so that they are credible and comparable.
Yes, where scope 3 forms a significant share of emissions, it belongs in the target. For most organisations that is the largest part of the footprint.
An ordinary target is often a self-chosen ambition; a Science Based Target is tied to a scientific carbon budget and independently reviewed.
With a baseline measurement that maps emissions, followed by a reduction pathway and an action plan that translates the target into concrete measures.
To set and carry out a scientifically grounded climate target, see Footprint Baseline or Baseline Compliance, or Contact to explore the options.