Target setting

With the help of Climate Smart Advisors, define targets and create a plan to achieve them based on your organization’s goals and resources. Learn more about the target setting add-on for your Climate Smart subscription.

On this page:

• What is target setting?
• What’s included?
• How does target setting work?
• Add-on target setting

What is target setting?

Target setting is an add-on for your Climate Smart subscription that unlocks additional service support and innovation to expedite your organization’s climate action. Targets can motivate your team to work towards reduction efforts that will have the greatest impact in the short-term, while striving for continuous improvement over the long-term.

Targets are based on your organization’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and reduction goals. You’ll collaborate with a Climate Smart Advisor to develop goals that align with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), an industry-specific benchmark, or a customized target.

Science-based targets 

Science-based targets (SBTs) prevent the worst effects of climate change and inform GHG emissions reduction pathways to work towards reaching net-zero by 2050, in accordance with the Paris Agreement.  Committing to SBTi targets can drive innovation and boost your organization’s reputation.

For organizations with fewer than 250 employees, you’ll meet SBTi’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) target-setting criteria by:

• Setting near-term SBTs for scope 1 and 2 emissions that can be achieved by 2030
• Committing to measure and reduce scope 3 emissions

For organizations with more than 250 employees, you’ll meet SBTi target-setting criteria by:

• Setting near-term SBTs for scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions that can be achieved by 2030
• Striving to reach net-zero by 2050

Industry-specific benchmarks

The Climate Smart Advisory team will research your industry to identify any published GHG emissions reduction targets. Some sectors have developed goals that are intended to provide a benchmark that organizations can strive towards. Understanding what those benchmarks are ensures that your target is consistent with evolving industry standards.  

Custom targets

Custom targets are recommended for organizations that want to set their own targets or have previously done so. These targets are based on your organization’s specific goals and Reduction Strategies. By tailoring targets to your team, this approach can encourage your organization to join your GHG emissions reduction efforts.

What’s included?

This service package includes:

• Overview of target setting approaches to determine the best option for your organization
• Best practices for organizations setting targets for the first time and for those updating or re-evaluating past targets
• Support in finalizing a target in line with SBTi, research into relevant industry targets, or designing a custom target that reflects your organization’s GHG emissions reduction goals and capacity to achieve them
• Build a GHG emissions reduction pathway to achieve targets 

How does target setting work?

You’ll need to finalize at least one GHG inventory with Climate Smart before you can begin target setting.  A Climate Smart Advisor uses data from your most recently completed inventory in the Climate Smart software to collaboratively define your goals. Once targets are set, an Advisor works with your team to choose Reduction Strategies, backed by research, and sets a timeline for implementation.

Add-on target setting

Target setting is an additional service for your Climate Smart subscription. To add-on target setting, or to find out if this is service is right for your organization, contact our Customer Success team.