SBTi target criteria explained: video brief

No. The SBTi develops the standards, criteria and methods; SBTi Services, its distinct validation entity, checks a company's targets against them, and targets that conform are validated and published on the Target Dashboard. What is validated is the target, not the organisation, its inventory or its management system, so "SBTi certified" is not an accurate description. Companies with validated targets may use SBTi branding, such as the logo, only as the SBTi's communications guidance allows, in content that clearly refers to the target.

Under Version 1.3.1, near-term targets have a target year five to ten years after submission: scope 1 and 2 consistent with 1.5°C and, where scope 3 is 40 per cent or more of total emissions, scope 3 targets covering at least 67 per cent of it, consistent with well-below 2°C. Long-term targets bring scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions to zero or a residual level no later than 2050, cover at least 90 per cent of scope 3, and leave only residual emissions to be counterbalanced by permanent carbon removal. Version 2.0 asks for two or more near-term targets, requires scope 3 targets of Category A companies only and makes an overarching net-zero target optional.

Yes. Companies that meet the SBTi's SME eligibility criteria, which include scope 1 and location-based scope 2 emissions below 10,000 tCO2e alongside thresholds on employees, turnover and total assets, can use the SME validation route. It offers predefined target options, including absolute scope 1 and 2 reduction targets to be achieved by 2030. Version 2.0 adds accommodations for small and medium-sized enterprises and for companies in lower-income countries. We confirm eligibility against the criteria in force before any work is priced.

A company with a published commitment has 24 months to submit its targets for validation. If it misses that deadline, the Target Dashboard shows the commitment as removed, and the status changes to validated targets once targets are successfully validated. Commitments are optional, so a company can also submit targets without committing first.

It depends on your deadline, your size and your data. V1.3.1 stays open until 31 January 2028; V2.0 submissions are expected to open in Q1 2027 and become mandatory from 1 February 2028. Under V2.0 a Category A company also needs scope 3 targets, a disclosed transition plan and assured base-year data, which takes planning. We model both routes against your timeline before you choose.