The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has introduced a new online learning platform, the SBTi Academy, designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills for setting corporate climate targets. The launch addresses a growing global demand for expertise in sustainability as companies work to meet climate commitments and regulatory requirements.
Alongside the academy, the organization also unveiled a new certification process to formally recognize individuals as “SBTi Certified Experts,” providing a clear benchmark for proficiency in science-based target setting.
Key Takeaways
- The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched the SBTi Academy, a new e-learning platform.
- The platform aims to close the sustainability skills gap by training professionals in setting climate targets.
- It features a three-tiered structure for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced practitioner.
- A new “SBTi Certified Experts” certification has been introduced to validate advanced skills in the field.
Addressing a Growing Sustainability Skills Gap
The creation of the SBTi Academy comes at a time when companies worldwide are increasing their focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. As nations and corporations implement climate action plans, the need for qualified professionals who can translate climate science into business strategy has surged.
Many organizations face challenges in finding personnel with the right expertise to navigate the complex process of setting and achieving emissions reduction targets. The SBTi noted that this skills shortage can be a significant barrier for companies aiming to decarbonize their operations.
“While the appetite for science-based targets is growing, access to skills is a common barrier to target-setting,” said Tracy Wyman, Chief Impact Officer of the Science-Based Targets initiative.
According to the SBTi, “More expertise in navigating the interplay of climate science and business operations is urgently required to meet the sustainability skills demands of the future.” The new platform is designed to make this specialized knowledge more accessible and standardized.
Inside the SBTi Academy Platform
The SBTi Academy is structured into three distinct hubs, each catering to a different level of expertise. This tiered approach allows individuals and companies to engage with the material that best suits their current knowledge and goals.
The Three Learning Hubs
- Onboarding Hub: This section provides free, beginner-level training. It serves as an introduction to the core concepts of science-based targets and foundational technical knowledge.
- Practitioners Hub: Aimed at sustainability professionals, this hub offers more advanced premium training. It includes both free and paid modules on critical topics such as the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, as well as setting corporate near-term and net-zero targets.
- Certification Hub: This is an advanced assessment center for specialists seeking the “SBTi Certified Experts” designation. It is designed to test and confirm a high level of proficiency in the field.
By offering a range of resources, the academy aims to support professionals across different functions within a business, including strategy, operations, procurement, and reporting. The goal is to build a skilled workforce capable of driving the global transition to a net-zero economy.
SBTi's Growing Influence
Since its founding in 2015, the SBTi has become a leading authority in corporate climate action. Thousands of companies globally have committed to or set emissions reduction targets through the initiative, making its standards a key part of corporate sustainability strategies.
A New Standard for Professional Expertise
The introduction of the “SBTi Certified Experts” certification marks a significant step in professionalizing the field of corporate climate strategy. This credential will serve as a clear indicator to employers and clients that an individual possesses an advanced understanding of the SBTi's frameworks and methodologies.
To earn the certification, candidates must demonstrate their ability through the academy's advanced assessment process. This is intended to create a trusted network of specialists who can guide businesses through the target validation process effectively.
“By providing foundational knowledge for those just setting out on their own sustainability journey and providing certification for sustainability experts already helping companies on their journeys to decarbonize, the SBTi Academy aims to bridge the skills gap to set companies up for success,” Wyman added.
SBTi's Role in Corporate Climate Action
The Science Based Targets initiative was established in 2015 as a collaboration between several major environmental organizations. Its primary mission is to make science-based environmental target setting a standard practice for businesses around the world.
What Are Science-Based Targets?
Science-based targets are emissions reduction goals that are in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement — limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
The organization’s main functions include:
- Defining and promoting best practices for emissions reductions and net-zero targets.
- Providing technical assistance and resources to companies setting these targets.
- Independently assessing and validating corporate targets to ensure they align with climate science.
In 2021, the SBTi published its flagship Corporate Net-Zero Standard, which provides a framework for companies to set robust and credible net-zero targets. The organization is currently developing an update, known as Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, to reflect the latest scientific findings and best practices.
The launch of the SBTi Academy is a strategic move to scale up the adoption of these standards by ensuring that companies have access to the human capital required to implement them successfully.