Science-Based Targets Leading The Future: Turning Climate Responsibility into Strategic Opportunity

Climate change is no longer a distant challenge — it is a present reality, and organizations are increasingly recognized as key players in addressing it. For many organizations, the turning point comes when they recognize that climate action is not only a responsibility but also a strategic opportunity.

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) was established to help organizations and financial institutions worldwide set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets commonly known as Science-Based Targets (SBT).

By now, thousands of organizations globally had adopted SBT and joined the SBTi. This group includes multinational corporations, financial institutions, and small-medium sized companies. A significant number of these organizations have already had their targets validated, demonstrating that aligning with climate science is both practical and achievable.

Consider an organization facing increasing pressure from environmentally conscious customers, tightening regulations and rising competitive risks. By setting SBT, the organization not only reduced emissions but also strengthened its market position and strategic resilience. 

Adopting SBT offers clear advantages across industries. Beyond environmental impact, they enhance credibility, build trust, and deliver tangible business value:

• Credibility and trust: Science-based commitments are seen as transparent and reliable.
• Reputation and leadership: Validated targets position company as the credible climate leaders within the increasing climate-related pressure.
• Risk management: Proactive measures prepare organizations for evolving policies and market dynamics.
• Competitiveness: Investments in green innovation open new markets and build long-term resilience.

These benefits show that SBT go beyond regulatory compliance — they represent a strategic, actionable pathway to sustainable growth, naturally aligning business goals with climate action.

Why Choose SGS?

We support organizations of all sizes and sectors in adoption SBT. Our services provide end-to-end support throughout the SBT setting journey:

• Choosing a Base Year: We help identify a baseline year that accurately reflects emissions and provide a solid foundation for reductions.
• Defining Boundaries: We collaborate to determine which operations and value chains are included, ensuring alignment with SBTi frameworks.
• Developing Emissions Inventories: From direct operations to extended supply chains, we prepare detailed inventories that map emissions and highlight key reduction opportunities.
•  Preparing for Validation: Our technical experts guide organizations through the documentation required for SBTi validation, ensuring technical accuracy.
• Training and Capacity Building: We offer training programs to build internal capabilities, enabling teams to set, monitor, and achieve their targets.
• SME Support: For small-medium sized companies with limited resources, we provide simplified tools and guidance to streamline the application process and efficiently set targets.

We understand that organizations vary in size and maturity when it comes to GHG knowledge. To keep the journey practical and aligned, we follow an approach that mirrors the SBTi framework. Organizations begin with a public commitment to align with climate science, then develop measurable targets. Once the goals are set, they are submitted for validation and, upon approval, implemented with ongoing monitoring and improvement.

This step-by-step process ensures transparency and credibility, empowering organizations to share progress, engage stakeholders, and demonstrate meaningful climate impacts.

SBT is increasingly recognized as the benchmark for responsible corporate climate action. Organizations that adopt them not only reduce their environmental footprint but also position themselves for long-term resilience and competitiveness.

We support organizations in transforming climate commitments into structured strategies that align with both environmental and business goals.

Clarify and accomplish your climate goals with SGS support

Through our IMPACT NOW initiative, we empower organizations to take measurable steps toward sustainability, aligning with global frameworks such as the SBTi. These efforts not only promote environmental responsibility but also strengthen business resilience and build stakeholder trust. Backed by our global network of experts, we support you from strategy development to full implementation.

Previous

Next