THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
“ Developing a science-based target drives real change in business models and procurement”
David Kennedy CEO Science Based Targets initiative
A practical framework for real economies The Science Based Targets initiative – founded in 2015 by CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and WWF – helps companies align their decarbonisation plans with what climate science demands. It provides frameworks and validation for corporate net zero targets consistent with the Paris Agreement.
David’ s vision is to build on that foundation with stronger ties to modern business realities.“ We’ re translating our standards for better alignment with a diverse range of corporate contexts,” he explains. This approach aims to help companies“ navigate the complex road from ambition to action.”
For many companies, the process begins with understanding their emissions across operations and value chains. David says this itself drives transformation:“ Developing a science-based target forces companies to properly understand their emissions, set ambitious targets and translate these into concrete actions. That drives real change – in business models, capital allocations and procurement practices.”
SBTi research shows the business case is more and more compelling. Companies with science-based targets often see stronger investor confidence, improved access to finance and faster progress on decarbonisation.“ Targets must work in practice,” David notes,“ so we’ re evolving our standards to make them clearer, more practical and better suited to real-economy decision-making.”
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