Demonstrating Ambition and Progress
Public recognition frameworks showcasing credible climate ambition and sustainability progress.
- The Science Based Targets Initiative develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at latest. Currently, companies in all sectors apart from fossil fuels can set science-based targets using our cross-sector methods. However, SBTi have also develop sector-specific guidance for companies in some heavy emitting industries, including land transport. Tailored to the needs and context of each industry, these enable companies to develop ambitious and achievable science-based targets aligned with 1.5°C.
- ISO Standards are internationally recognised formula, available to all businesses, that describe the best way of doing something. They are designed to support delivery of UN Sustainable Development Goals and, in many cases, are considered to be an industry requirement. These standards could be about making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or supplying materials – standards cover a huge range of activities. ISO sustainability standards include:
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 14040:2006 – Life Cycle Assessment
- ISO 14067:2018 – Carbon Footprint of Products
- ISO 26000 – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- B Corp Certification is available to all businesses and measures their entire social and environmental impact. Certified B Corporations are considered leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. In order to achieve certification, a company must – among other things – demonstrate high social and environmental performance, make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure, and allow information about their performance to be publicly available on the B Lab website. Verification is required every three years.
- The UK Business Climate Hub provides small and medium sized businesses with the opportunity to register their public commitment to reduce emissions and be counted in the UN Climate Change High Level Champion’s Race to Zero campaign. The Hub is run by the Broadway Initiative and designed in collaboration with the UK government and the international SME Climate Hub, offering a one stop shop for SME’s seeking net zero guidance. Businesses can use the site to find finance and support, guidance on steps they can take, and sector-specific plans for reaching net zero. The Hub combines accurate carbon-cutting advice into one easy to use, up-to-date website.