Credible Climate Targets and Practical Decarbonization Plans Built on Defensible Data

Setting emissions targets without a robust greenhouse gas inventory creates risk.

Commitments that are not grounded in defensible Scope 1, 2, and 3 data can expose companies to investor scrutiny, regulatory pressure, and reputational damage.

We support science-based target development and decarbonization strategy grounded in audit-ready GHG inventories and aligned with financial and operational realities.

Climate ambition must be measurable, defensible, and executable.


Why Science-Based Targets Require Rigor

Many companies commit to net zero or science-based targets before fully understanding:

  • Scope 3 exposure

  • Data maturity

  • Reduction feasibility

  • Financial implications

  • Supplier engagement complexity

  • Operational constraints

A credible target must be:

  • Technically aligned with SBTi methodology

  • Grounded in accurate baseline emissions

  • Supported by documented assumptions

  • Integrated into capital planning

  • Operationally achievable

We design targets that leadership can stand behind.

 

Who This Is For

This advisory is designed for:

  • Companies preparing to submit targets to the Science Based Targets initiative

  • Organizations upgrading climate commitments to align with 1.5°C pathways

  • Private equity portfolio companies establishing portfolio-level climate targets

  • Businesses facing investor pressure for credible decarbonization plans

  • Companies with growing Scope 3 exposure

If your climate commitments will be reviewed by investors, regulators, or customers, credibility matters.


Science-Based Target Development

We guide companies through a structured, defensible process aligned with SBTi and global climate frameworks.

1. Baseline Emissions Analysis

Targets are only as credible as the baseline.

We validate:

  • Scope 1 emissions

  • Scope 2 market-based and location-based calculations

  • Scope 3 category inclusion and methodology

  • Boundary consistency

  • Data gaps and uncertainty

Baseline documentation is built to withstand review.

2. Target Modeling and Scenario Development

We model reduction pathways aligned with:

  • 1.5°C and well-below 2°C scenarios

  • Absolute contraction or intensity approaches

  • Sector-specific guidance where applicable

Scenario modeling includes:

  • Operational reduction potential

  • Energy transition pathways

  • Supplier emissions reduction feasibility

  • Growth projections

  • Capital planning integration

Targets must be technically sound and financially realistic.

3. SBTi Alignment and Submission Support

We support:

  • Target selection and documentation

  • SBTi submission package preparation

  • Technical questionnaire completion

  • Methodology transparency

  • Review response preparation

We ensure that submissions are aligned with SBTi criteria and clearly documented.

4. Governance and Accountability

Targets must be integrated into governance systems.

We help define:

  • Executive ownership

  • KPI integration

  • Performance tracking processes

  • Internal reporting cadence

  • Board-level oversight

Climate targets without accountability are ineffective.


Decarbonization Strategy and Roadmapping

Setting a target is the beginning. Executing against it is the challenge.

We build practical decarbonization roadmaps that integrate operational, financial, and supply chain realities.

Scope 1 and Scope 2 Reduction Planning

Includes:

  • Energy efficiency initiatives

  • Electrification strategies

  • Renewable energy procurement

  • On-site generation evaluation

  • Operational process improvements

We evaluate reduction potential alongside cost, payback period, and capital requirements.

Scope 3 Reduction Strategy

Scope 3 often represents the majority of emissions.

We support:

  • Category prioritization

  • Supplier engagement strategies

  • Activity-based data transition

  • Product lifecycle improvements

  • Logistics optimization

  • Procurement alignment

Reduction strategies must balance influence and feasibility.

Scenario and Financial Impact Analysis

We assess:

  • Emissions reduction trajectories

  • Cost implications

  • ROI modeling

  • Transition risk exposure

  • Regulatory scenario impacts

Decarbonization planning must connect to enterprise risk management and financial forecasting.

Integration with Broader Sustainability Programs

Climate strategy must align with:

  • Double materiality outcomes

  • ESG reporting

  • Risk management systems

  • Investor disclosures

  • Audit-ready carbon accounting

Fragmented climate initiatives increase complexity. Integrated programs improve execution and credibility.


Outcomes You Can Expect

Clients leave with:

  • A defensible science-based target aligned with SBTi

  • Documented baseline emissions

  • Modeled reduction pathways

  • A multi-year decarbonization roadmap

  • Executive and board-ready climate strategy materials

  • Defined ownership and governance structure

  • Integrated reporting alignment

This reduces risk, strengthens investor confidence, and provides clarity for operational planning.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need a science-based target?

Increasingly, investors and customers expect credible, 1.5°C-aligned commitments. Regulatory momentum also favors science-based alignment.

How long does target development take?

Typically 8 to 16 weeks depending on data maturity and Scope 3 complexity.

Can you help improve an existing target?

Yes. Many companies revise early targets to align with updated SBTi criteria and improved data maturity.

How does this connect to audit-ready GHG inventories?

A science-based target is only defensible if the underlying emissions data is robust. Our decarbonization work integrates directly with audit-ready carbon systems.


If your organization is setting or revising climate targets, now is the time to ensure they are credible, defensible, and operationally achievable.

 

Let’s Discuss Your Carbon Reduction Strategy