Aim
Setting Suitable Targets that Make a Difference
Following completing a carbon footprint assessment the next step is to set targets to reduce your emissions.
What are Science Based Targets?
Science Based Targets are a means for organisations to set carbon footprint reductions at the right level to keep Global temperature changes to less than 2oC, as described in the 5th report of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
Why organisations need Science Based Targets?
Business is a source of a high proportion of the World’s carbon emissions and from both a practical and ethical stance has a vital role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Science Based Targets encourage businesses to align their carbon footprint reduction aims to take account of a fair share of the climate budget. This also encourages other businesses in their supply chains to do the same.
Having Science Based Targets will also, of course, save operating costs as organisations reduce their energy use. In addition to this, it is visible demonstration that the organisation takes sustainability very seriously, enhancing their brands and value with stakeholders and customers.
How to set Science Based Targets?
There are 7 target setting methods, which allows businesses to choose targets that take their sector into consideration.
The Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA) is one of these. It has a handy on-line calculation tool (developed by WRI, CDP and WWF) and allocates the 2°C carbon budget to different sectors.
How to benefit from Science Based Targets?
Once you have the targets, use them to drive your carbon management programmes forward.
Remember also to promote the fact that you are using Science Based Targets - not just for your own marketing and brand - but to encourage other businesses like yours to follow your good example.
Companies that set Science Based Targets may also gain additional points on the CDP (previously know as the Carbon Disclosure Project).
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