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What does the Net-Zero Standard mean for science-based targets?

The SBTi recently launched the Net-Zero Standard, the world's first framework for corporate net-zero target formulation based on climate research, which has also introduced two new ways of articulating science-based targets: near-term and long-term.
This blog highlights what these new phrases represent and how they connect to more traditional science-based aims.

Science-Based Targets initiative launches new Net-Zero Standard

The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has announced the launch of the first science-based framework for companies to set net-zero targets - the Net-Zero Standard. The purpose of this new Standard will be to emphasise the importance of decarbonisation in corporate net-zero strategies.

COP26 and what it means for business

From the 31st of October to the 12th November 2021, the United Kingdom and Italy will co-host the 26th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP26) at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. Heads of state and climate scientists will gather to agree on joint steps to combat climate change. As co-host of COP26, the United Kingdom has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035.

In this blog, Greenstone will focus on the role of businesses and how they can actively act upon the goals set by COP26.

The importance of data in achieving net-zero & science-based targets

Greenstone is holding a webinar on 'The importance of data in achieving net-zero & science-based targets' on Tuesday 15 June at 4pm BST.

With a notable surge in the setting of net-zero and science-based targets, comes a new set of challenges around data. Accessing and reporting accurate data to support and track progress against these ambitious climate targets is becoming an increasing challenge for most companies.

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) releases 2020 progress report

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) recently released an annual progress report “From ambition to impact: How companies are cutting emissions at scale with science-based targets”. This report aims to reflect and report on the five years of progress in setting science-based climate goals and setting a baseline for the decade of ambition ahead.

Greenstone’s 2030 science-based target approved by SBTi

Greenstone’s 2030 science-based emissions reduction target has been approved, as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets. Greenstone has formally joined the movement and set a target to reduce its absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, and to measure and reduce its scope 3 emissions.

Science-based targets and net-zero commitments - FAQs

Climate Week NYC 2020 was held last month and this year’s edition was certainly one to remember. Not only was it held entirely online, but the week of events included ambitious commitments from some of the biggest names. Most notably, the University of Cambridge announced a net-zero target by 2038, Facebook committed to a net-zero target by 2030 and Walmart, the world’s largest company, outlined plans to be 100% carbon neutral by 2040 (without using carbon offsets).

SBTi paper on global standard for science-based net-zero targets

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has today issued its initial guidance on the first science-based global standard for corporate net-zero target setting. This paper is the first step to setting a global standard, which will help to ensure that corporate net-zero carbon targets are aligned with climate science.

Why Greenstone has committed to a science-based target

Interview with Greenstone CEO, Matthew de Villiers, on why the sustainability software company joined the movement to set an ambitious emissions reduction target.

Science-based targets (SBTs) are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets in line with levels identified by climate scientists to prevent global warming. The SBT initiative, a partnership between CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI and WWF, and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments, is championing them as a powerful way of boosting companies’ competitive advantage in the transition to the low-carbon economy.

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announces major updates

Building on the IPCC’s 1.5°C report released in October last year, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has announced that it will introduce major new updates. These updates will enable companies to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets consistent with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement; to limit average global warming to 1.5°C by the end of the century compared to pre-industrial temperatures.