Fundamentals
Science-Based Targets (SBTi)
Setting corporate climate targets aligned with 1.5C science
About this course
Why this course exists
A comprehensive course on the Science Based Targets initiative -- from understanding the framework and near-term criteria to the Corporate Net-Zero Standard, target-setting methods, and the validation process.
What you will learn
After this course you will be able to
- Set a near-term and long-term emissions reduction target aligned with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard
- Choose between absolute contraction, sectoral decarbonization, and economic intensity approaches
- Build a decarbonization plan that maps target trajectory to actual emission reduction levers
- Submit a target for SBTi validation and respond to validator feedback
Course content
5 modules · 16 lessons
Walk through the modules in order or jump to a specific lesson. Each lesson is a real chapter you can open and start reading immediately.
Module 1·3 lessons
Introduction to Science-Based Targets
Why science-based targets matter and how the SBTi works
Module 2·3 lessons
The Net-Zero Standard Framework
Understanding the four pillars of corporate net-zero
Module 3·4 lessons
Near-Term Targets
Criteria and requirements for 5-10 year emission reduction targets
- 2.13 min read
Target Boundary and Scope Coverage
Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C1-C6
- 2.23 min read
Emissions Accounting and Method Validity
Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C7-C12
- 2.33 min read
Timeframe and Ambition
Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C13-C21
- 2.43 min read
Scope 3 and Supplier Engagement Targets
Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C18-C19; Supplier Engagement Guidance
Module 4·3 lessons
Setting Your Targets
Practical steps from base year to validated target
- 3.12 min read
Selecting a Base Year and Calculating Emissions
Net-Zero Standard V1.3, Sections 4.1-4.2
- 3.22 min read
Target-Setting Methods
Net-Zero Standard V1.3, Sections 4.5-4.6; Annex B
- 3.33 min read
Target Wording, Communication, and Validation
Net-Zero Standard V1.3, Section 4.7; Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C25-C28
Module 5·3 lessons
Advanced Topics
Sector guidance, reporting, and keeping targets current
- 4.13 min read
Sector-Specific Guidance
Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C22-C24; Net-Zero Standard V1.3, Section 6
- 4.23 min read
Reporting, Recalculation, and Five-Year Reviews
Near-Term Criteria V5.3, C25-C28; Mandatory Five-Year Review Guidance
- 4.33 min read
FLAG Targets and Special Cases
Net-Zero Standard V1.3, Annex E; FLAG Guidance V1.1
Continue your path
This course is part of 1 curated path
Each path is a sequence of five courses designed to take a practitioner from first principles to defensible output. Pick one to see where this course fits.