Global
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

Science-based targets.
Grounded in verified data.

SBTi targets must be set against a verified GHG baseline. Sustaineve structures your Scope 1 and Scope 2 inventory to the standard SBTi requires — GHG Protocol methodology, IPCC emission factors, permanent base year record.

GHG Protocol Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 1.5°C
Request Demo GHG Protocol Methodology

The Framework

What SBTi requires from manufacturers.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validates corporate emission reduction targets against climate science — specifically the pathways required to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

To commit to SBTi, a company must: (1) establish a verified GHG baseline covering Scope 1, 2, and material Scope 3; (2) set a target trajectory consistent with an approved science-based pathway; and (3) report progress annually.

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is the required methodology. IPCC emission factors govern calculation. Targets must cover at least 95% of total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

As of 2024, over 7,000 companies have committed to SBTi globally. Indian manufacturing companies are increasingly committing in response to investor pressure and export market requirements.

The Process

Four steps to a validated SBTi target.

01

Establish verified GHG baseline

Define your base year. Calculate Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions using GHG Protocol methodology. Scope 3 required if it exceeds 40% of total inventory.

02

Set science-aligned target

Define absolute or intensity-based reduction targets consistent with 1.5°C (or well-below 2°C) scenarios. Near-term and long-term targets both accepted.

03

Submit to SBTi for validation

SBTi reviews your target against sector-specific pathways. Validation typically takes 6–12 months from submission.

04

Report annual progress

Publish verified annual GHG data against target trajectory. Scope 3 progress reported where targets are set. Audited disclosure recommended.

Sustaineve's Role

The GHG inventory SBTi depends on.

SBTi validates your target — it doesn't build your inventory. Sustaineve builds the verified GHG data foundation that SBTi requires before target-setting can begin.

Verified Scope 1 inventory

All stationary combustion, mobile combustion, process, and fugitive sources. IPCC 2006 & 2019 Refinement factors. Full audit trail.

Location-based Scope 2

CEA grid emission factors for Indian facilities. Market-based where renewable energy certificates apply.

Base year data storage

Base year emissions stored permanently. Recalculation on boundary changes per GHG Protocol guidance.

Annual progress reporting

Year-on-year GHG data against baseline. Structured output for SBTi progress reporting, BRSR, and CDP.

FAQ

SBTi questions for manufacturers.

What is the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)?
SBTi is a global framework that enables companies to set emission reduction targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C or well-below 2°C. SBTi targets must be grounded in verified GHG inventories covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and material Scope 3 categories. The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is the required methodology.
What GHG data does SBTi require?
SBTi requires: a verified GHG inventory covering Scope 1 and Scope 2 (mandatory) and Scope 3 (required if Scope 3 is more than 40% of total emissions); a clearly defined base year; annual progress reporting against the target trajectory; and GHG Protocol Corporate Standard methodology.
Does SBTi apply to Indian manufacturers?
Yes. SBTi is a voluntary framework applicable to any company globally. Indian manufacturers in export-facing sectors — textiles, chemicals, auto components — are increasingly committing to SBTi in response to investor requirements and EU supply chain obligations (CSRD). CCTS and SBTi targets can be aligned from the same verified baseline.
How does Sustaineve support SBTi commitment?
Sustaineve builds the GHG inventory that SBTi depends on — structured Scope 1 and Scope 2 data, calculated using GHG Protocol and IPCC 2006 & 2019 factors, with permanent base year storage. The targets module will track annual progress. The same inventory also generates BRSR, CCTS, GRI, and CDP outputs.

GHG Protocol

Corporate Standard methodology — required by SBTi

Scope 3

All 15 value chain categories — required for SBTi

Targets Module

Set and track SBTi-aligned reduction targets

SBTi Readiness

Build the GHG baseline SBTi requires — in 30 minutes.

We'll walk through your Scope 1 and Scope 2 data, establish your base year, and show you the verified inventory SBTi target-setting depends on.

Book 30-Minute Session See the Calculation Engine