What is SBTi?
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) publishes criteria for corporate greenhouse gas reduction targets and validates companies' near-term and net-zero targets against them.
Who sets science-based targets
Companies in any sector can set targets voluntarily, and many do because large customers ask suppliers to. Real estate owners, manufacturers, hospital groups and retailers typically start with Scope 1 and 2 targets for the buildings and plants they operate, then add Scope 3 where the criteria require it.
Timelines and the standard in force
Per SBTi, near-term targets cover the next 5 to 10 years and net-zero targets aim for 2050 or earlier. A commitment gives a company a 24-month window to submit targets, assessment is usually completed within 12 weeks, and a company has 6 months after validation to announce its targets.
Corporate Net-Zero Standard V1.3.1 remains the validation framework throughout 2026. Version 2.0 has been adopted, validation under it begins in Q1 2027, and from 1 February 2028 all new target submissions must align with it.
Separating progress from weather
Year-over-year emissions move with weather, so a mild winter can look like progress. Aqueduct reports each site against a regression baseline built from usage plus heating and cooling degree days, with uploaded bills giving a new site its baseline on day one, and rate configuration states the gap in money. The trend your team reports then reflects what was changed on site.