POLICY
Set sustainability targets aligned with SBTi
THE SBTi CORPORATE NET-ZERO STANDARD
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard supports organisations to set net zero targets in line with the latest climate science.
It provides a framework for organisations to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support the Paris Agreement’s ambition: to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
Keep reading to learn more about the SBTi standards and how you can set aligned targets with Planet Mark.
The SBTi standards
– at a glance
What is the SBTi net zero framework?
Download the SBTi starter guide to find everything you need to know, at a glance.
What are SBTi-aligned targets?
Under the SBTI net-zero standards, there are two types of targets: near-term and long-term.
Near-term targets are those that you’ll strive to achieve within the next decade; long-term targets are those that will support you to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest.
A typical trajectory for meeting net zero involves achieving a:
- 50% reduction in carbon emissions from your organisation’s baseline of emissions across all scopes by 2030 – your near-term targets. Typically, this must cover at least 67% of your Scope 3 emissions – the emissions that your organisation creates indirectly, such as through your supply chain.
- 90%+ reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest – your long-term targets. Typically, this must cover at least 90% of your organisation’s Scope 3 emissions.
We can help you understand the requirements of the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and how they apply to your organisation. Talk to one of our experts to learn more about setting and meeting SBTi-aligned targets with the Net Zero Certification Programme.
Become a climate leader with a credible pathway to net zero.
Improve investor confidence in your organisation – now and in the future.
Meet demands for transparency throughout the supply chain.
Who should follow the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard?
Are the SBTi standards mandatory?
The SBTi standards are voluntary, but we’re seeing more and more forward-looking organisations adopt them today as part of their commitment to addressing climate change.
Which sectors need to meet SBTi standards?
The standards encourage organisations across all sectors to set credible net zero targets, with specific requirements and guidance for some sectors. This includes power, maritime, buildings, and financial institutions.
What size organisation can set science-backed targets?
Any size organisation can set targets for reductions in line with the SBTi standards. However, the Science Based Targets initiative also offers an alternative route for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME).
Here are the eligibility requirements.
Do suppliers need to set SBTi targets?
Many organisations with SBTi-aligned targets now require their suppliers to follow suit. This is because the standards require organisations to set ambitious reduction targets across their Scope 3 emissions – those created within their supply chain.
As such, you are likely to start seeing tenders and request for proposals with SBTi requirements.
Will the Corporate Net-Zero Standard change?
As of June 2025, the SBTi has a second version of its Corporate Net-Zero Standard in review, with the revised standards proposing several significant changes.
One of these suggested changes requires organisations to communicate their progress towards their targets, in order to improve accountability.
We’re staying on top of the proposed changes so that we can provide the most up to date advice to our Members with SBTi-aligned targets.
Track your policy responsibilities with our free tool
SBTi might be voluntary, but which mandatory climate regulations or standards do you need to comply with? Find out with our free Carbon Policy Tracker.
How can Planet Mark help?
We support organisations to set and meet SBTi-aligned targets with measurable carbon reductions. Here are three key steps to following the SBTi standards, and how the Net Zero Certification Programme can help.
1) Measure Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions in line with the GHG Protocol
We’ll guide you to measure your emissions across all three Scopes with an easy-to-use data submission platform, hub of video tutorials to support you, and dedicated Measurement team on hand to provide personalised advice.
2) Develop near and long-term reduction targets that are consistent with SBTi criteria
We’ll support you to set SBTi-aligned targets for emissions reductions that align with your broader commercial goals and get buy-in from stakeholders.
3) Progress towards your targets
We’ll empower you to make continuous improvements towards your targets by recommending decarbonisation solutions, helping to engage your supply chain, and much more.
Reduce your carbon with Planet Mark
We can help you measure your carbon so you can set and meet carbon reduction targets in line with internationally recognised climate standards, from SBTi to the GHG Protocol. Explore our net zero consultancy and certification services to get started.
Insights for your sustainability journey
SBTi Net-Zero Corporate Standard – boosting credibility of net zero with science based targets
What are Scope 3 emissions and why do they matter?
Planet Mark’s Scope 3 Guide
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