What is the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?

The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) sets environmental performance targets aligned with the Paris Agreement's objective to limit global warming to 1.5°C. These targets offer companies a specific course of action to reduce their emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

The SBTi is a collaborative partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and it establishes these science-based targets to ensure companies' efforts to reduce their carbon footprint are consistent with the most recent climate science.

Why should fashion brands set science-based targets?

Fast fashion trends are driving unsustainable levels of consumption and emissions are set to increase. The fashion industry is estimated to be responsible for 8% of global greenhouse emissions. This is more than the emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined.

With the worldwide apparel and footwear market expected to grow around 5% a year through 2030, it is clear the fashion industry needs to transform rapidly. By setting science-based targets, fashion brands can align their sustainability strategies with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and help to reduce the overall impact of the industry on the environment.

With priorities shifting, brands can also take the SBTi as an opportunity to enhance stakeholder engagement, including customers, investors, and suppliers, and increase brand reputation. 

How can fashion brands set science-based targets?

Fashion brands can set science-based targets by following the Science-Based Targets Initiative's (SBTi) guidelines, which provide a framework for setting targets in line with the Paris Agreement's objective to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Here are the general steps for setting science-based targets:

• Determine

Fashion brands must first decide which scopes they want to include in their science-based target. This may include scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, as well as water consumption, waste, and other environmental impact areas.

• Develop 

The SBTi provides guidance on how to set science-based targets, including requirements for target scope, ambition level, and baseline year. The target should be ambitious, measurable, and relevant to the business's operations.

• Submit 

Once the target is developed, fashion brands can submit it to the SBTi for validation. This involves a review of the target by independent experts to ensure that it is aligned with the latest climate science and meets the SBTi criteria.

• Implement 

Once the target is validated, fashion brands should develop a plan to implement the target and track progress toward achieving it. This may involve changes to the business's operations, supply chain, and sourcing practices, as well as investment in renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies.

• Report 

Fashion brands should report regularly on their progress towards achieving their science-based target. This helps to ensure accountability and transparency and allows stakeholders to track the brand's sustainability performance over time.

Metrikflow can help

At MetrikFlow our mission is to tackle one of the most polluted industries in the world. With the latest technology and sustainability expertise, our team can help you make the transition to sustainability smoothly.