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by CDP, UNGC, WRI, WWF · Est. 2015
$1,000 - $14,500 (by company revenue)
Targets validated once; progress reported annually
London, UK
Companies of any size, All sectors
Based on independence of verification, scope of assessment, transparency of criteria, and track record.
SBTi validates that a company's emission reduction targets are consistent with what climate science says is needed to limit warming to 1.5°C or well-below 2°C. It's the most credible framework for corporate climate commitments because targets must be grounded in peer-reviewed climate science, not arbitrary percentages.
Official websiteSBTi validates near-term targets (5-10 years), long-term targets, and Net-Zero targets. Companies must set Scope 1 and 2 targets at minimum, and Scope 3 targets if Scope 3 emissions are more than 40% of total. The Net-Zero Standard requires at least 90% absolute emission reductions before any residual neutralization with offsets.
Companies commit to setting a target (letter of commitment), then develop their target using SBTi-approved methods within 24 months. Targets are submitted for validation, where SBTi assesses alignment with 1.5°C or well-below 2°C pathways. Validated companies report progress annually through CDP.
The 2024 controversy over SBTi's board decision to allow environmental attribute certificates for Scope 3 targets led to significant criticism and staff resignations. Some argue the 24-month commitment window allows companies to claim climate action without immediate targets. Sector-specific methodologies are still being developed for some industries.
It means a company's emission reduction targets have been independently verified to be consistent with the level of decarbonization needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
No. SBTi validates the ambition and alignment of reduction targets. Carbon neutral typically means offsetting current emissions. SBTi's Net-Zero Standard requires at least 90% real reductions.
Over 4,000 companies have validated targets, with thousands more committed to setting targets. Together they cover over a third of global market capitalization.
Yes, if Scope 3 emissions are more than 40% of total Scope 1+2+3 emissions (which is the case for most companies). This makes SBTi one of the most comprehensive frameworks.
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