Expert Support on Science Based Targets for Nature
For organisations that recognise the value of nature to their resilience and are ready to integrate nature into their business strategy, Biodiversify helps to define what to do, how to do it, and by when. Having been involved in two preliminary SBTN pilot projects, we are well-placed to provide expert support in setting relevant science-based targets and implementing tangible processes to achieve them.
Our SBTN Clients
Science Based Targets for Nature FAQs
Our global, national, and local economies are highly dependent on nature, but human activity is leading to the rapid loss of nature, creating accompanying risks for businesses and society.
To ensure future resilience for both business and humanity as a whole, nature must be integrated into business strategies. The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has developed a helpful framework to facilitate this integration in the form of science-based targets for nature (SBTs).
Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about targets for nature and SBTN:
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What are science-based targets for nature?
In a nutshell, science-based targets for nature (SBTs) reflect a society- and nature-first approach to corporate environmental action. Rather than being arbitrarily chosen based on ambition levels, indicators, or corporate willingness to act, SBTs are a nature impact framework determined by what science and society deem necessary.
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) defines targets for nature as:
“measurable, actionable, and time-bound objectives, based on the best available science, that allow actors to align with Earth’s limits and societal sustainability goals.”
To define its focus, SBTN has structured these targets around the main pressures on biodiversity as defined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which are land/ocean use change, resource exploitation, pollution, climate change, and invasive non-native species.
SBTN refers to these as “pressures”. Pressures are considered in three main realms: terrestrial, freshwater, and marine. By focusing on these pressures and three realms, the targets aim to mitigate threats to biodiversity at the level of species, ecosystems and nature’s contributions to people (NCPs).
Also, as climate and nature are intricately linked, the SBTs for nature sit alongside the climate equivalent, science-based targets initiative (SBTi).
Are you looking to integrate environmental considerations into your business strategy? Unsure of what data to gather or how to collect it? Need guidance on establishing and implementing nature targets? Biodiversify is ready to assist you with all these aspects, offering expert support to help your business align with nature-positive practices. Get in Touch.
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) expands upon the groundwork laid by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) but is an entirely separate entity from the SBTi. SBTN comprises over 80 NGOs, business associations, and mission-driven consultancies, working collaboratively to define what is necessary to do “enough” to stay within Earth’s limits. It focuses on developing methodologies and resources for science-based targets for nature (SBTs) in two key areas:
1. Nature-focused targets for businesses
2. Integrated climate and nature targets for urban centres
While SBTi and SBTN are two distinct organisations with different philosophies, they share a common goal: promoting the adoption of corporate targets firmly rooted in scientific principles.
-
Who uses science-based targets for nature?
The science-based targets for nature (SBTs) framework is versatile and applicable to companies across various sectors and geographical locations. It accommodates businesses at different stages of the value chain – producers, manufacturers, vendors, and others – as demonstrated by diverse examples in the pilot program.
The official Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) guidance is particularly beneficial for companies with intricate, multi-location value chains. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simpler value chains, the full SBTN process may not be necessary.
At Biodiversify, we use elements of SBTN Steps 1 and 2 or impact assessments of companies’ value chains, even if they are not aiming for SBTN alignment. For example, we worked with Tetra Pak to establish freshwater targets, which they used to inform the Tetra Pak Approach to Nature strategy.
Setting and implementing science-based targets can be time-consuming. So, companies wanting to initiate the process should start as early as possible to ensure effective adoption for their business. For organisations already integrating nature into their business strategy, investing in collecting environmental impact data, and ready to implement changes across their direct operations and value chains, the SBTN guidance and methodologies are available here.
If you need support in assessing how best to include nature considerations within your business strategy, what data to collect, and how, or if you need advice on setting and implementing nature targets, Biodiversify is here to help – Contact Us.
-
What are the business benefits of setting science-based targets for nature?
Through science-based targets for nature (SBTs), companies can stay within a safe and socially just operating space, increase resilience, mitigate risk, demonstrate that they are aligned with best practices, and more.
The Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) framework and process guide businesses in implementing appropriate science-based measures throughout their value chains. This scientific approach can significantly increase the company’s understanding of its impacts and dependencies on nature. The resulting targets help organisations focus their efforts on the most impactful areas, starting with their direct operations and key upstream activities, all while maintaining the right timing and scale of their actions.
By identifying gaps for actions on nature through SBTN, businesses can mitigate supply chain risks. Particularly in the long run, landscape engagement targets that restore nature might reduce sourcing risks from those same regions by reducing the likelihood that dependencies are disrupted.
SBTN facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders, allowing companies to tap into a wealth of collective expertise. This collaborative approach has the potential to result in groundbreaking innovations, enhanced operational efficiency, and a significant reduction in environmental footprint.
By proactively moving towards a nature-positive economy in an evidence-based way, organisations can also boost their credibility, reputation, and competitive advantage.
To add to all these advantages, SBTN provides a robust approach to assessing impact materiality, which is required under the CSRD and TNFD.
-
SBTN or SBTi?
To ensure a safe and equitable future, climate and nature goals must be achieved in tandem. It is not a case of ‘either-or’. This is why the Science Based Target Network (SBTN) guidance on nature builds on and complements the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) guidance on climate science-based targets.
For example, the initial phase in establishing science-based targets for nature involves an assessment of a company’s impact on nature, including its contribution to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. This assessment is crucial because climate change is a significant factor in nature degradation. To make credible claims about their science-based targets for nature (SBTs) and their positive environmental contributions, companies must first understand and address their role in climate change before moving on to the other critical ecological aspects covered by SBTs, such as water use, water pollution, land use and land use change.
-
SBTN or TNFD?
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework and the Science Based Targets Network’s (SBTN) science-based targets for nature (SBTs) have been developed to align with each other. They share common elements and approaches based on identifying the business’s relationship with nature.
✔ The TNFD framework enables organisations to disclose nature-related risks, impacts, and dependencies. TNFD is largely focused on identifying and managing risks.
✔ SBTs provide a framework for companies to set targets for reducing their impacts on nature. Nature targets go beyond identifying risks and require organisations to set targets for improvement.
For some organisations, engaging with TNFD could serve as a stepping stone towards setting nature-focused targets. The comprehensive disclosure process required by TNFD can facilitate easier engagement with SBTs later. In fact, establishing nature targets may be a natural progression for companies seeking to address the risks and impacts identified through the TNFD process.
Both TNFD reporting and SBTN offer robust frameworks that enable companies to transition from minimal nature consideration to a comprehensive assessment of their nature interdependencies and associated risks. By incorporating nature into their business strategy and actively working towards appropriate targets, organisations can ultimately become nature-positive.
Also, the TNFD framework and SBTs have been developed through extensive stakeholder consultation and are closely aligned with widely recognised climate action frameworks. This alignment has contributed to their favourable reputation among businesses, government entities, and financial institutions. Additionally, these frameworks align with other relevant standards, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS Sustainability Standards, further enhancing their credibility and applicability.
-
What is a SBTN materiality assessment?
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) target-setting process is designed to set appropriate location-based targets for the most material activities within a business. There are five main steps to setting science-based targets for nature (SBTs), with the first being a sector-level materiality assessment.
The materiality assessment enables the organisation to gain and obtain a rapid overview of the specific issue areas linked to the economic activities within its sector. It is a quick and high-level process where the business identifies whether its economic activities are material on eight pressure categories. The SBTN sector materiality tool must be used for this step.
Following the materiality stage steps two to five include:
2. Interpret and prioritise
- Evaluate organisational impacts on nature across the value chain
- Assess value chain impacts by location and level
3. Measure, set and disclose
- Gather baseline data for priority targets
- Set targets for freshwater, land, and climate
- Disclose progress publicly for transparency
4. Act
- Implement the AR3T Action Framework:
✔ Avoid future impacts
✔ Reduce current impacts
✔ Regenerate and restore ecosystems
✔ Transform operating systems
5. Track o Monitor and report progress for accountability
- Adapt monitoring approaches based on target types
- Prepare for the future SBTN Measure, Report, and Verify (MRV) system
-
Is there a Science Based Targets for Nature timeline?
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) is in the early phases of a long-term plan to equip businesses of all sizes and across all industries with comprehensive nature-focused science-based targets for nature (SBTs) covering freshwater, land, biodiversity and oceans. Future releases of nature-based targets will broaden the range of issues and aspects addressed by SBTN guidance, aligning with the latest scientific findings and developments within the Network.
SBTN’s rollout roadmap includes expanded targets for freshwater (e.g. contaminants beyond nitrogen and phosphorus) and land use, enhanced biodiversity coverage, initial ocean-related targets, incorporation of social metrics into methodologies, detailed guidance on target implementation and progress tracking, as well as tailored guidance for specific sectors and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Source: SBTN website
-
Where can I find Science Based Targets for Nature guidance?
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) offers a comprehensive and integrated approach. It provides companies with guidance and tools to establish verifiable targets that directly tackle their impact on freshwater, land, and biodiversity. Future SBTN updates will expand the scope of corporate impact assessment.
All resources are accessible in SBTN’s Resource Library. Companies can explore SBTN’s latest corporate guidance online through their target-setting guide, which is also available offline via their corporate manual. Both serve as primary gateways to SBTN’s technical methodologies.
For businesses aiming to develop a credible nature strategy, SBTN recommends referencing the consortium-endorsed Nature Strategy Handbook. For those at earlier stages in their nature journey, SBTN and partners have agreed on guidelines for companies, including high-level business actions to guide organisations in taking comprehensive action for nature.
If you would like to speak directly to an expert for advice on the SBTN framework or on setting and implementing science-based targets for nature in your business’s specific context, Biodiversify is here to help – Contact Us.
What are science-based targets for nature?
In a nutshell, science-based targets for nature (SBTs) reflect a society- and nature-first approach to corporate environmental action. Rather than being arbitrarily chosen based on ambition levels, indicators, or corporate willingness to act, SBTs are a nature impact framework determined by what science and society deem necessary.
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) defines targets for nature as:
“measurable, actionable, and time-bound objectives, based on the best available science, that allow actors to align with Earth’s limits and societal sustainability goals.”
To define its focus, SBTN has structured these targets around the main pressures on biodiversity as defined by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which are land/ocean use change, resource exploitation, pollution, climate change, and invasive non-native species.
SBTN refers to these as “pressures”. Pressures are considered in three main realms: terrestrial, freshwater, and marine. By focusing on these pressures and three realms, the targets aim to mitigate threats to biodiversity at the level of species, ecosystems and nature’s contributions to people (NCPs).
Also, as climate and nature are intricately linked, the SBTs for nature sit alongside the climate equivalent, science-based targets initiative (SBTi).
Are you looking to integrate environmental considerations into your business strategy? Unsure of what data to gather or how to collect it? Need guidance on establishing and implementing nature targets? Biodiversify is ready to assist you with all these aspects, offering expert support to help your business align with nature-positive practices. Get in Touch.
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) expands upon the groundwork laid by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) but is an entirely separate entity from the SBTi. SBTN comprises over 80 NGOs, business associations, and mission-driven consultancies, working collaboratively to define what is necessary to do “enough” to stay within Earth’s limits. It focuses on developing methodologies and resources for science-based targets for nature (SBTs) in two key areas:
1. Nature-focused targets for businesses
2. Integrated climate and nature targets for urban centres
While SBTi and SBTN are two distinct organisations with different philosophies, they share a common goal: promoting the adoption of corporate targets firmly rooted in scientific principles.
Who uses science-based targets for nature?
The science-based targets for nature (SBTs) framework is versatile and applicable to companies across various sectors and geographical locations. It accommodates businesses at different stages of the value chain – producers, manufacturers, vendors, and others – as demonstrated by diverse examples in the pilot program.
The official Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) guidance is particularly beneficial for companies with intricate, multi-location value chains. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simpler value chains, the full SBTN process may not be necessary.
At Biodiversify, we use elements of SBTN Steps 1 and 2 or impact assessments of companies’ value chains, even if they are not aiming for SBTN alignment. For example, we worked with Tetra Pak to establish freshwater targets, which they used to inform the Tetra Pak Approach to Nature strategy.
Setting and implementing science-based targets can be time-consuming. So, companies wanting to initiate the process should start as early as possible to ensure effective adoption for their business. For organisations already integrating nature into their business strategy, investing in collecting environmental impact data, and ready to implement changes across their direct operations and value chains, the SBTN guidance and methodologies are available here.
If you need support in assessing how best to include nature considerations within your business strategy, what data to collect, and how, or if you need advice on setting and implementing nature targets, Biodiversify is here to help – Contact Us.
What are the business benefits of setting science-based targets for nature?
Through science-based targets for nature (SBTs), companies can stay within a safe and socially just operating space, increase resilience, mitigate risk, demonstrate that they are aligned with best practices, and more.
The Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) framework and process guide businesses in implementing appropriate science-based measures throughout their value chains. This scientific approach can significantly increase the company’s understanding of its impacts and dependencies on nature. The resulting targets help organisations focus their efforts on the most impactful areas, starting with their direct operations and key upstream activities, all while maintaining the right timing and scale of their actions.
By identifying gaps for actions on nature through SBTN, businesses can mitigate supply chain risks. Particularly in the long run, landscape engagement targets that restore nature might reduce sourcing risks from those same regions by reducing the likelihood that dependencies are disrupted.
SBTN facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders, allowing companies to tap into a wealth of collective expertise. This collaborative approach has the potential to result in groundbreaking innovations, enhanced operational efficiency, and a significant reduction in environmental footprint.
By proactively moving towards a nature-positive economy in an evidence-based way, organisations can also boost their credibility, reputation, and competitive advantage.
To add to all these advantages, SBTN provides a robust approach to assessing impact materiality, which is required under the CSRD and TNFD.
SBTN or SBTi?
To ensure a safe and equitable future, climate and nature goals must be achieved in tandem. It is not a case of ‘either-or’. This is why the Science Based Target Network (SBTN) guidance on nature builds on and complements the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) guidance on climate science-based targets.
For example, the initial phase in establishing science-based targets for nature involves an assessment of a company’s impact on nature, including its contribution to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. This assessment is crucial because climate change is a significant factor in nature degradation. To make credible claims about their science-based targets for nature (SBTs) and their positive environmental contributions, companies must first understand and address their role in climate change before moving on to the other critical ecological aspects covered by SBTs, such as water use, water pollution, land use and land use change.
SBTN or TNFD?
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework and the Science Based Targets Network’s (SBTN) science-based targets for nature (SBTs) have been developed to align with each other. They share common elements and approaches based on identifying the business’s relationship with nature.
✔ The TNFD framework enables organisations to disclose nature-related risks, impacts, and dependencies. TNFD is largely focused on identifying and managing risks.
✔ SBTs provide a framework for companies to set targets for reducing their impacts on nature. Nature targets go beyond identifying risks and require organisations to set targets for improvement.
For some organisations, engaging with TNFD could serve as a stepping stone towards setting nature-focused targets. The comprehensive disclosure process required by TNFD can facilitate easier engagement with SBTs later. In fact, establishing nature targets may be a natural progression for companies seeking to address the risks and impacts identified through the TNFD process.
Both TNFD reporting and SBTN offer robust frameworks that enable companies to transition from minimal nature consideration to a comprehensive assessment of their nature interdependencies and associated risks. By incorporating nature into their business strategy and actively working towards appropriate targets, organisations can ultimately become nature-positive.
Also, the TNFD framework and SBTs have been developed through extensive stakeholder consultation and are closely aligned with widely recognised climate action frameworks. This alignment has contributed to their favourable reputation among businesses, government entities, and financial institutions. Additionally, these frameworks align with other relevant standards, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) IFRS Sustainability Standards, further enhancing their credibility and applicability.
What is a SBTN materiality assessment?
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) target-setting process is designed to set appropriate location-based targets for the most material activities within a business. There are five main steps to setting science-based targets for nature (SBTs), with the first being a sector-level materiality assessment.
The materiality assessment enables the organisation to gain and obtain a rapid overview of the specific issue areas linked to the economic activities within its sector. It is a quick and high-level process where the business identifies whether its economic activities are material on eight pressure categories. The SBTN sector materiality tool must be used for this step.
Following the materiality stage steps two to five include:
2. Interpret and prioritise
- Evaluate organisational impacts on nature across the value chain
- Assess value chain impacts by location and level
3. Measure, set and disclose
- Gather baseline data for priority targets
- Set targets for freshwater, land, and climate
- Disclose progress publicly for transparency
4. Act
- Implement the AR3T Action Framework:
✔ Avoid future impacts
✔ Reduce current impacts
✔ Regenerate and restore ecosystems
✔ Transform operating systems
5. Track o Monitor and report progress for accountability
- Adapt monitoring approaches based on target types
- Prepare for the future SBTN Measure, Report, and Verify (MRV) system
Is there a Science Based Targets for Nature timeline?
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) is in the early phases of a long-term plan to equip businesses of all sizes and across all industries with comprehensive nature-focused science-based targets for nature (SBTs) covering freshwater, land, biodiversity and oceans. Future releases of nature-based targets will broaden the range of issues and aspects addressed by SBTN guidance, aligning with the latest scientific findings and developments within the Network.
SBTN’s rollout roadmap includes expanded targets for freshwater (e.g. contaminants beyond nitrogen and phosphorus) and land use, enhanced biodiversity coverage, initial ocean-related targets, incorporation of social metrics into methodologies, detailed guidance on target implementation and progress tracking, as well as tailored guidance for specific sectors and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Source: SBTN website
Where can I find Science Based Targets for Nature guidance?
The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) offers a comprehensive and integrated approach. It provides companies with guidance and tools to establish verifiable targets that directly tackle their impact on freshwater, land, and biodiversity. Future SBTN updates will expand the scope of corporate impact assessment.
All resources are accessible in SBTN’s Resource Library. Companies can explore SBTN’s latest corporate guidance online through their target-setting guide, which is also available offline via their corporate manual. Both serve as primary gateways to SBTN’s technical methodologies.
For businesses aiming to develop a credible nature strategy, SBTN recommends referencing the consortium-endorsed Nature Strategy Handbook. For those at earlier stages in their nature journey, SBTN and partners have agreed on guidelines for companies, including high-level business actions to guide organisations in taking comprehensive action for nature.
If you would like to speak directly to an expert for advice on the SBTN framework or on setting and implementing science-based targets for nature in your business’s specific context, Biodiversify is here to help – Contact Us.
Our Science Based Targets for Nature Case Studies
Biodiversify is proud to have supported two target validation pilots for Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) members, and we have subsequently advised several SBTN early adopters in the fashion and construction sectors.
Through our other services, we have extensive experience in the mining and food and drink industries, which could easily be leveraged for similar businesses setting science-based targets for nature (SBTs).
SBTN Pilots
The SBTN pilot projects concluded in June 2024 and illustrate that SBTN can deliver meaningful and proven benefits to organisations, with 60% of participating companies receiving validation. The pilot initiative shows that the SBTN process empowers businesses with a gold standard approach to address nature loss, raises corporate ambition, and drives leadership-level discussions. While some pilot companies and early adopters face challenges, many remain committed to target adoption.
At COP16 in October 2024, a major milestone in advancing measurable corporate action on nature was achieved when Kering publicly adopted the first-ever science-based targets for both freshwater and land, while GSK and Holcim adopted the first freshwater targets. During the SBTN pilot, Biodiversify the technical analysis of the SBTN process for Kering, including preparing Kering’s submissions for validation. Holcim led their own SBTN work, engaging with Biodiversify as an external advisor.
Kering Science Based Targets for Nature Pilot: Science Based Targets for Freshwater and Land
Kering is a global luxury group managing a collection of renowned fashion, leather goods and jewellery houses. The company is committed to sustainable luxury. As an SBTN member since 2020, Kering aligns with its Biodiversity Strategy, aiming for net positive impact by 2025.
The SBTN pilot deepened Kering’s engagement and supported target validation. The process of setting science-based targets for nature enhanced the group’s biodiversity strategy, encouraging place-based measures. By leveraging existing EP&L data and improving traceability, Kering is advancing its nature-positive journey, contributing to a sustainable future for the luxury goods and fashion industries.
Biodiversify supported Kering in piloting SBTN Steps 1 – 3. We used the best available tools and our team’s extensive technical knowledge of natural systems to ensure the project’s success.
One particular aspect of Kering’s supply chain we worked with their internal experts on was developing an approach to trace leather sourcing to sub-national regions. This assessment aimed to enhance value chain transparency and calculate land use change (LUC) footprints. Read our SBTN Value Chain Assessment Solutions Paper to discover how innovative and proactive approaches can overcome common traceability challenges within leather supply chains.
Valuable insights were gained from this pilot, which continue to inform both Kering’s strategy and our approach towards the SBTN process for all our clients.
Learn more about the Kering SBTN pilot
SBTN’s targets for nature are ambitious, and setting them is a resource-intensive process and, as such, requires commitment at all levels. Different areas within the company need to collaborate to produce the required data, and only a handful will have the necessary expertise to go through steps 1 to 3 internally. My top tip would be to first dedicate some resources to understand how SBTN’s targets for nature align with company strategy and values, scoping out internal buy-in, data readiness and value-added.
Holcim Science Based Targets for Nature Pilot: Science Based Targets for Water
Holcim, a global sustainable building solutions leader, engaged with SBTN to manage nature impacts and meet investor interests. Having already set validated SBTi climate targets for scopes 1, 2, and 3 and wanting to establish themselves as a leader in their sector, the SBTN process was a sensible next step for the company.
SBTN participation is helping Holcim prioritise sites and identify data gaps in direct and upstream operations, while also boosting their credibility. Setting nature targets has raised their ambition and encouraged them to start a supplier traceability initiative to improve the granularity of future target-setting.
Although Holcim led their own SBTN work and used Biodiversify as an external advisor, our team contributed significantly to the company’s nature target-setting process. We are honoured to have been part of Holcim’s nature journey, and this experience continues to shape how we support and advise our clients.
“Where companies know their direct operations or upstream very well, this can mean consulting local basin authorities, research institutes, or other stakeholders to get locally specific information on what a freshwater reduction target should look like. Engaging with stakeholders can be time-consuming. My advice to companies is to think about partnerships and forms of collaboration with these stakeholders that provide something in return.”
Learn more about the Kering SBTN pilot
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