SBTi Launches 2026-2030 Strategy Shifting Focus from Target Setting to Implementation Support

The Science Based Targets initiative has launched its new five-year strategy for 2026 to 2030, marking a significant expansion in focus from climate target validation to supporting companies in implementing their climate commitments. The strategy introduces more tailored, sector-specific target-setting approaches and prioritises data transparency, peer benchmarking, and partnership with other standard-setters to reduce fragmentation.

Founded in 2015 and responsible for establishing science-based targets as a standard corporate practice, the SBTi now has more than 13,000 companies that have set or committed to setting science-based targets, with over 10,000 validated. The new strategy introduces four major shifts: action-focused standards with sector- and geography-specific approaches replacing the current generalised framework; a pivot toward implementation support through data transparency and progress benchmarking; efforts to address fragmentation by strengthening partnerships with other organisations and standard-setters; and an expansion of coverage in high-emitting sectors and regions.

The implementation pivot reflects feedback from companies that while climate ambition is high, many struggle to translate validated targets into operational action. SBTi's new services will emphasise system-level assessment of progress, enabling companies to benchmark against peers and identify where to focus decarbonisation effort. The strategy also reflects the SBTi's experience that market demand for actionable guidance has outgrown the organisation's target-validation function, particularly as more companies with complex operational environments seek practical pathways to their net zero commitments.

The SBTi's new CEO David Kennedy — formerly Chief Executive of the UK Committee on Climate Change — is leading the strategy refresh. The expansion into high-emitting sectors and regions is particularly significant for India, which is home to significant steel, cement, chemicals, and power sector emissions. Greater SBTi engagement in India through sector-specific pathways and local implementation support could accelerate the adoption of science-based targets among Indian companies and help bridge the gap between stated commitments and verifiable decarbonisation progress.

Key figure — More than 13,000 companies have set or committed to science-based targets under the SBTi framework