Emission Targets
A winding road through a forest.
Professionals working in the sustainability and climate sectors are well versed in science-based target setting. However, many who find themselves at the forefront of engineering and financing sustainability projects may not share this familiarity. A significant portion of our work at Blue Strike includes collaborating with organizational staff, many of whom have substantial operational experience, but have not been exposed to emission target setting. Despite this, they often play crucial roles in executing the process or identifying the required sources of funding. Here, we would like to share a summary of the science-based target setting.
Science-based targets for emissions refer to specific goals set by different entities - companies, organizations, or governments - to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the scientific consensus on climate change. Such targets are designed to help limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The key principles of science-based targets are as follows:
1. Alignment with climate science: The targets must be consistent with the latest climate science, incorporating recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change . This ensures that the targets are based on the best available knowledge of the Earth's climate system.
2. Sector-specific and comprehensive: The targets consider the specific circumstances of different sectors, industries and entities. They cover both direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2); they may also contain indirect emissions along the value chain (Scope 3).
3. Ambitious and time-bound: Science-based targets are designed to drive ambitious action by establishing specific emission reduction goals over a defined timeframe. Despite being variable in amplitude or timeframe, they typically aim for a 1.5- or 2-degrees Celsius trajectory for 2030 or 2050.
4. Transparent and independently verified: To ensure credibility, science-based targets require transparency. Optional, independent verification further bolsters a target’s reliability and may be required if a particular certification is desired. At minimum, the methodologies used to set the targets, as well as progress toward achieving them, should be publicly available and subject to external review.
5. Continuous improvement: These targets encourage consistent efforts to improve performance and reduce emissions over time. Regular monitoring, reporting, and reassessment are essential to ensure that targets remain aligned with the latest science.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund. The SBTi provides guidelines and support to companies and organizations to develop and implement science-based targets.
By adopting science-based targets, entities can contribute to global climate action and demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change in a scientifically rigorous manner.
