How do I set carbon reduction targets?
Here are some key things to consider when setting your targets:
- Targets should be ambitious (but also realistic): We encourage you to aim for Science-Based Targets. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) defines science-based targets as those that are “in line with the level of decarbonisation required to keep a global temperature increase below 2°C” and are considered best practice.
For SMEs, the SBTi has two pre-defined targets to choose from. The first is to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030, and to measure and reduce scope 3 emissions. The second is to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 30% by 2030, and to measure and reduce scope 3 emissions. The SBTi does not require SMEs to set targets for their scope 3 emissions, unlike larger companies.
- The type of target: Your targets can include absolute targets, such as reducing your total emissions by a certain percentage, as well as specific targets such as halving business travel emissions.
- Targets should include a base year and a target year: The base year is the year against which GHG reductions are tracked – it’s often the first year you start measuring your carbon footprint. For the target year, the SBTi encourages companies to set mid-and long-term targets ending in 2030 and 2050.
- Break down your targets down into yearly goals and milestones: It’s recommended that you should aim to halve absolute emissions every ten years. This would mean a 7% year-on-year reduction. If you wish to set more ambitious targets, consider what this would break down to annually. For example, halving your emissions in five years will mean a 13% reduction each year and halving in three years will mean a 21% reduction rate per year.
How do I set carbon reduction targets?
Here are some key things to consider when setting your targets:
- Targets should be ambitious (but also realistic): We encourage you to aim for Science-Based Targets. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) defines science-based targets as those that are “in line with the level of decarbonisation required to keep a global temperature increase below 2°C” and are considered best practice.
For SMEs, the SBTi has two pre-defined targets to choose from. The first is to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030, and to measure and reduce scope 3 emissions. The second is to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions 30% by 2030, and to measure and reduce scope 3 emissions. The SBTi does not require SMEs to set targets for their scope 3 emissions, unlike larger companies.
- The type of target: Your targets can include absolute targets, such as reducing your total emissions by a certain percentage, as well as specific targets such as halving business travel emissions.
- Targets should include a base year and a target year: The base year is the year against which GHG reductions are tracked – it’s often the first year you start measuring your carbon footprint. For the target year, the SBTi encourages companies to set mid-and long-term targets ending in 2030 and 2050.
- Break down your targets down into yearly goals and milestones: It’s recommended that you should aim to halve absolute emissions every ten years. This would mean a 7% year-on-year reduction. If you wish to set more ambitious targets, consider what this would break down to annually. For example, halving your emissions in five years will mean a 13% reduction each year and halving in three years will mean a 21% reduction rate per year.