Science-Based Targets

What is a science-based target?

Science-based targets (SBTs) are greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – to keep global temperature increase within 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial temperature levels.

You can have your science-based target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which offers a credible, globally recognised approach for setting carbon reduction targets. If you employ under 500 people, you can apply to have your target validated under the streamlined route for SMEs.

Near-term and long-term net zero targets

In late 2021, the SBTi released the first global science-based framework for companies to set net-zero targets. The Net-Zero Standard defines ‘near-term’ and ‘long-term’ science-based targets. For most companies, you must achieve emission reductions of at least 4.2% p.a. for near-term targets, and must reach 90% emission reductions by 2050 at the latest as your long-term target. To achieve net zero, you can offset the remaining 10% of your emissions via greenhouse gas removals.

If you are looking to achieve carbon neutrality on the way to net zero, you can consider becoming certified under Climate Active.

Why should you consider setting science-based targets?

Your business will face increasing market and regulatory pressure to provide clarity on your climate action and to set targets aligned with what is needed to maintain a safe climate, particularly if you are reporting in line with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD). Setting a science-based target comes with many business benefits:

Improved competitive advantage in the market
Reduced physical and market climate-related risks
Strengthened investor confidence and credibility
Boosted employee morale
Confidence that your targets are contributing to the global goal of achieving net zero by mid-century
Increased innovation

How do we help you set and manage science-based targets?

100% Renewables can help you understand and set science-based targets for your business. Our SBTi services focus on senior-level stakeholder engagement and rigorous analysis to establish and set your targets, develop your emissions reduction pathway, and validate and communicate your goals. In our work with your business, we will:

Engage your stakeholders to discuss the business case for setting a science-based target
Analyse your situation and choose the most appropriate SBT approach
Help you select a baseline year
Calculate your comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and Scope 2 Guidance. We can also help you to determine your value chain emissions for potential scope 3 targets. This can be an initial scope 3 screening exercise, or the development of a full scope 3 inventory across the 15 scope 3 categories.
Set your short-term science-based targets for the next 5-10 years. This includes determining a mitigation pathway that informs the rate of your emissions reduction or emissions intensity reduction. We will help you select a suitable target year that takes your planned emissions reduction actions into account.
Set your long-term target in line with global net zero scenarios
Develop your strategy and model your emissions reduction initiatives to make sure you are meeting your targets
Align your decarbonisation strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Get your target validated by the SBTi and help you communicate your targets internally and externally
Calculate and help you to communicate your progress annually

For further information, please download our Science-based Targets brochure

What Our Clients Say
about us

“100% Renewables are professional, engaging renewable energy and carbon experts, the right sort of people to work with if you want to achieve transformational change in pragmatic steps. They spend time understanding the organisation's current state and it's readiness for change before identifying options for the future and steps to get there.”

Julia Seddon General Manager Corporate Affairs, Inghams

“The best part of our experience with 100% Renewables was their personal, professional and partnership approach. Their team is focused on professional output.”

Dennis Frost USC Operations Manager, University of the Sunshine Coast

”100% Renewables is responsive, proactive and effective communicators. I can not fault the service.”

Michael Mathias Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Uniting

What our clients say about us

Julia Seddon General Manager Corporate Affairs, Inghams

100% Renewables are professional, engaging renewable energy and carbon experts, the right sort of people to work with if you want to achieve transformational change in pragmatic steps. They spend time understanding the organisation's current state and it's readiness for change before identifying options for the future and steps to get there.”

Dr. Roger Attwater Senior Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Western Sydney University

We have worked with 100% Renewables on a number of important energy strategies for our organization. What we liked best in the recent project delivery was how 100% Renewables engaged with our team in collaboratively developing the plan within a tight timeframe.

Shannon Khalifeh Sustainability Manager Warrigal Aged Care

The 100% Renewables team are great at listening to our needs as their customer. The strategy was tailored to our organisational needs and strategic directions while also incorporating their expert advice.”

Dennis Frost USC Operations Manager, University of the Sunshine Coast

The best part of our experience with 100% Renewables was their personal, professional and partnership approach. Their team is focused on professional output..”

Michael Mathias Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Uniting

100% Renewables is responsive, proactive and effective communicators. I cannot fault the service.”

Deb Matthews Environmental Sustainability, Anglican Care

100% Renewables is always easy to work with. Great people to work with who get results.”

Matt O'Hara Chief Executive Officer, Oak Flats Bowling and Recreational Club and Illawarra Yacht Club

At times during our sustainability journey, we have needed leadership and guidance to achieve our goals. To this end, we are very proud to be Australia's first and only Climate Active certified Carbon Neutral Registered Club. We could not have achieved this without the expertise, leadership and guidance we received from 100% Renewables over the past years. I would have no hesitation in recommending 100% Renewables as your sustainability partner.

Emma Brannigan Commercial Director, Hartmann

The team at 100% Renewables helped us clearly identify what we needed to do, and the best way to approach it, all while setting up a framework and working document that laid out the information required. The 100% Renewables team is extremely knowledgeable, happy to challenge, and so positive and realistic- it has been a pleasure working with them!”

Dan West Manager Sustainability, Environment and Waste, City of Bayswater

100% Renewables know their stuff and bring independent expertise and experience to help you achieve your emission reduction objectives. What we liked best is their customer focus and interest to understand and work with us.

Jessica Marsh Sustainability Officer – Strategic & Environmental Planning, Kempsey Shire Council

I would say that the team at 100% Renewables are extremely professional and talented, and they made an initially daunting task manageable, and we worked with each other every step of the way. The team have great technical skills as well as engagement approaches that work well together. They were easy to deal with, always contactable and delivered our strategy on time, thank you!

Ken Wilson Waste & Sustainability Coordinator, Clarence Valley Council

Barbara and Patrick made our experience with 100% Renewables so easy, they quickly assessed our needs and were able to deliver advice is a practical, friendly and professional manner. 100% Renewables have the knowledge, expertise and capacity to deliver high-quality advice presented in a way that meets the brief and is meaningful to the client organisation.

Gary Murphy General Manager, Lismore City Council

Lismore City Council has set itself the ambitious goal to be self-sufficient in electricity use by 2023. Sustainable Business Consulting was selected to analyse our energy situation, consult with staff and Councillors and to deliver our Renewable Energy Master Plan. They were professional and engaging in their delivery and provided great value to Council. I would recommend them to any organisation who are looking for a long-term renewable energy plan