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Climate management

Climate Targets (SBTi)

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Climate Targets (SBTi)

Setting Climate Goals (including SBTi & Net-Zero Roadmap)

More and more companies are setting climate targets to guide future business decisions and to motivate their own actions and operations. A key to the success of these targets is a science-based Climate Transition Plan (CTP) that aligns with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and enables measurable climate reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3.

Five Glaciers Consulting supports companies in developing science-based climate targets in accordance with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) —from target definition and the Climate Transition Plan to measurable climate reductions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. This ensures that your targets are both ambitious and achievable—and contribute to the Paris Agreement and thus to limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.

What are Science-Based Targets (SBTi)?

Science-based climate targets from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) are emission reduction targets that are consistent with the Paris Agreement and current climate science standards. They specify how companies should reduce their greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. A climate target set in accordance with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) specifies the extent to which companies must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to be consistent with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree goal.

Challenges of climate target setting

More and more companies are asking themselves how they can achieve their own climate protection targets in line with the Paris Agreement. International standards such as the SBTi or ESRS offer a helpful framework for this, but of course they come with complexities.

Your roadmap to Net Zero!

Five Glaciers Consulting helps you develop ambitious SBTi-aligned climate targets that meet both regulatory requirements (e.g., CSRD ESRS E1) and long-term net-zero goals. We create a roadmap for your company to achieve its long-term net-zero goal. Companies that publish their climate targets make a public commitment and automatically draw more attention and accountability to the goal. This unleashes internal motivation and has a positive external impact! Our consulting services include the following steps:

  1. Analysis of the emissions baseline (Scope 1–3)
  2. Development of SBTi-aligned climate targets
  3. Development of a Climate Transition Plan
  4. Monitoring and Tracking Progress in Climate Mitigation

Learn more about our support for holistic climate strategies, SECR reporting, and the development of climate transition plans

Carbon footprint for products (PCF)

Carbon footprint for products (PCF)

Create trust through even more transparency - with carbon footprints at product level

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Carbon footprint for companies (CCF)

Carbon footprint for companies (CCF)

Record your corporate emissions - with our Corporate Carbon Footprint Service

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Life cycle assessment (LCA)

Life cycle assessment (LCA)

Optimize your products throughout their life cycle - we accompany the evaluation of your environmental impact

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TeamViewer Scope 3

Learn how companies can significantly improve their Scope 3 accounting with our auditable calculation methodology.

CASE STUDY

Much of the VSME data is compatible with ESRS. VSME serves as a stepping stone and testing ground for future CSRD reports. Five Glaciers provides support for mapping.

Setting ambitious climate targets can unleash remarkable energy within companies: simply submitting a pledge to the SBTi will motivate employees and win over customers. This high-profile commitment thus serves as an effective lever for fostering social responsibility and establishing a concrete sustainability roadmap within organizations.

With the support of Five Glaciers, set ambitious goals and work toward them step by step.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Science-Based Targets Initiative (
)

Why should companies set climate goals?

Climate targets help companies meet regulatory requirements, minimize business risks associated with climate change, and position themselves strategically for the future. Investors, customers, and suppliers increasingly expect clear decarbonization strategies. Companies with ambitious climate targets also secure competitive advantages and improve their financing terms.

What regulatory requirements apply to climate targets under the CSRD (ESRS E1)?

Under ESRS E1, the CSRD requires companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and set reduction targets. These targets must be scientifically sound and consistent with the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C goal. In addition, companies must document measures to reduce emissions and report on their progress on a regular basis.

Does climate target validation still make sense even if we haven’t submitted an SBTi target yet?

Yes, especially then. Early validation helps define realistic goals, avoid misconceptions, and prevent the need for later adjustments or rejections in the SBTi process. It provides a solid basis for decision-making before a commitment is made public.

How time-consuming is the validation of carbon footprints or SBTi climate targets for our internal team?

We’ve deliberately kept the process streamlined. Typically, we’ll need your existing financial statements, defined objectives, and a few brief clarifications to help us understand the context. The analysis is largely conducted externally, so your team is only involved on an as-needed basis.

What benefits does the SBTi offer companies?

The SBTi ensures that climate targets are science-based and aligned with global climate goals. Companies benefit from greater credibility among investors and customers, as well as clear guidance for long-term emissions reductions. In addition, SBTi certification facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements such as the CSRD and the EU Taxonomy.

What are the SBTi's requirements for companies?

Companies must set specific emissions reduction targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 that are consistent with the IPCC’s 1.5°C scenario. This includes short-term reduction targets for 2030 and long-term net-zero targets for 2050. Progress must be regularly reviewed and disclosed in sustainability reports.

What requirements does the ESRS E1 place on a Climate Transition Plan?

According to ESRS E1, the CTP must include a statement of emission reduction targets and associated measures. In particular, companies must demonstrate how their reduction targets are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement. Companies must also explain their decarbonization methods, such as the use of new technologies or changes to their product portfolio. In addition, investments and financing that support the implementation of the plan are described.

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