What is the Science Based Targets initiative?

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a partnership between CDP, the UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and WWF. It defines and promotes best practice in emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate science, and independently assesses and validates companies' targets against its criteria.

Why companies use SBTi

Setting a target validated by SBTi signals to investors, customers, and regulators that a company's climate commitments are grounded in what climate science says is actually needed — not an arbitrary internal goal. It's increasingly referenced in ESG reporting, CDP disclosures, and corporate sustainability strategies as a credibility benchmark.

SBTi and Net Zero

SBTi's Corporate Net-Zero Standard extends beyond near-term emissions targets to define what a credible long-term net-zero target looks like, including requirements on the balance between emissions reductions and carbon removal. See our guide on the 2025 SBTi standard revisions for what's changed most recently.

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