Do you know what science-based goals are and why they are important for companies?
Science-based targets are a guide for companies to take sustainable actions against climate change.
Despite global efforts (and Paris Agreement), even if all countries comply with their nationally determined contributions (NDC), the goal of maintaining the increase in global temperature at up to 2º C, in relation to pre-industrial levels, will hardly be achieved.
Read this other article about economic sustainability on our blog.
Therefore, it is necessary to establish science-based goals to control the temperature and focus the efforts of governments, companies and civil society in the right direction, in order to avoid warming the oceans and the atmosphere.
In this text you will learn more about these goals and the role of companies in this fight for the environment.
If you have any questions or compliments, leave your comment at the bottom of this page.
Good reading!
Introduction – The importance of science-based goals
Having a clear, possible and measurable objective is vital for sustainable planning.
As stated, the efforts already foreseen by all countries – in their nationally determined contributions – will not be sufficient to achieve the main goal of the Paris Agreement: keep the increase in global temperature below 2ºC.
In this scenario, the business sector is one of the main allies both due to its capacity to invest and finance climate actions and its potential for innovation and to scale up actions to combat climate change.
According to CEBDS CT Climate coordinator, Laura Albuquerque, “by aligning their goals with scientific precepts, companies take the lead in the transition to low economy carbon and signal their commitment to the fight against climate change.”
Therefore, large companies are already working towards science-based goals. With governments and the business sector acting with a common goal, achieving the Paris Agreement goal becomes more viable, as does a better future for everyone.
The idea is that, even in 2018, the establishment of science-based targets will become a standard commercial practice and allow corporations to play an important role in closing the emissions gap left by the commitments made by governments under the Agreement.
But what is a low carbon economy?
The low-carbon economy is a new development mentality based on the reconfiguration of companies' production processes that, with the help of modern and innovative technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions while making their processes more efficient.
In this new economic format, enterprises are guided by the principles of sustainability, using the generation of clean energy, making efficient use of water resources, among other measures.
The objective is to generate the least possible impact on the environment and the climate of the globe. But how? Placing options related to sustainability management.
Finland, Sweden and Denmark are some of the countries that have placed the low-carbon economy at the center of their political and financial decisions.
Science-based goals and companies
Science-Based Goals, in English SBT, is a step-by-step guide for your company.
According to the website of Science Based Targets Initiative, formed by CDP, Global Compact, World Resources Institute and WWF, there are already 333 associated companies with science-based goals established or in the process of being defined.
This institution is the main promoter of science-based goals in world. And by joining, you'll get a step-by-step guide for companies that want to align their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with climate science.
This is a strategic attitude that large companies have already taken, such as Natura, Schneider Electric, Coca-Cola and Nestlé, also associated with CEBDS.
SBT adopts the methodology Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA) and has a tool to help companies define their goals: Science Based Target Setting Tool.
But as Henrique Pereira, from Way Carbon, points out, “science-based goals signal what needs to be done, but not how it will be done. In this sense, other aspects are relevant, such as engagement, communication and integration into corporate strategy and risk management”, highlighting the importance of companies integrating internal processes and including science-based goals in their business and management strategies. communication.
What are the benefits for companies that set science-based goals?
By setting goals based on science, companies will be alongside the largest companies in the world, joining forces to face climate change without losing competitiveness and strengthening their credibility in the market.
Furthermore, by being part of this group, your company shows that its commitment to society is not just an advertising message, but that it is also translated into practical attitudes.
However, more than benefits, everyone needs to adopt a collective culture, where benefiting society and the environment comes before the search for one's own benefit.
Of course, it must be prioritized for the maintenance and growth of the business. Contrary to the thinking of some businesspeople, it is possible to combine growth with sustainable development.
Conclusion
CEBDS can help your company adopt SBT.
Are you interested in transforming your company? Regardless of the size of your company, we can all improve our processes and mitigate our impacts.
In 2017, CEBDS promoted the Workshop about Science-Based Goals, in order to disseminate the topic among Brazilian companies.
Below you will find presentations from the speakers at the Workshop:
- Laura Albuquerque (CEBDS) – Introduction
- Carla Schuchmann (CDP) – Science Based Targets It is The Business End of Climate Change
- Henrique Pereira (Way Carbon) – Experiences in defining SBT
- Pedro Faria (CDP of Portugal) – Sectoral Decarbonization Methodology and other methodologies, Science Based Target Setting Tool It is Practical Exercises.
The essence of sustainability is innovation. And with a culture of innovation, several competitive advantages are created. When they are sustainable, they not only generate more profits, but also a better perception of the company in society.
Therefore, investing and worrying about science-based goals is a commitment not only to the planet, but to the performance (and future!) of your company.
Have questions about science-based goals? Leave your comment!
Thank you for reading this far!
