Strategic Focus: Designing An SBTi-Ready Net Zero Strategy
Access this research
Access all Corporate Energy Leaders content with a strategic subscription or buy this single report
Need help or have a question about this report? Contact us for assistance
Executive Summary
Climate change mitigation depends on global commitments to net zero. As the pressure to reduce carbon emissions intensifies, firms are seeking the validation of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard for their science-based roadmaps to decarbonization. Target validation by the SBTi implies a generation of commercial value and trust. However, the SBTi Standard is not exempt from criticism, and firms may find limitations to its methodology and requirements. Organizations need to address the complexities surrounding carbon reduction and neutralization to create a successful net zero strategy. This report examines the challenges of the SBTi and recommends key steps to ensure a realistic and credible roadmap to net zero.The SBTi Net-Zero Standard Sets Firms’ Decarbonization Strategies
The SBTi Has Emerged As The Premier Net Zero Initiative Globally
The SBTi Net-Zero Standard Requires Carbon Reduction and Neutralization Across Value Chains
Firms Must Increase Data Accessibility And Visibility Of Carbon Emissions
Net Zero Data Complexities Encourage Reliance On Digital Tech Services
Firms Should Use The SBTi As A Foundation For Net Zero Success
Firms Should Consider The Limitations Of The SBTi Net-Zero Standard
Four Winning Factors For SBTi Success
Figure 2. Key Steps For Pre-Set SBTi Targets
About the Authors
Elisa Molero
Senior Analyst
Elisa is a Senior Analyst at Verdantix, specializing in supply chain sustainability. Her research covers 100 vendors in the supply chain sustainability market, supporting buye...
View Profile
Kim Knickle
Research Director
Kim Knickle is a Research Director at Verdantix, bringing more than two decades of analyst experience to the evolving world of sustainability. Her current research spans ESG a...
View ProfileOther related content
Digital decarbonization is evolving rapidly, and many of the tools used for carbon reporting today are not designed to support the operational decisions organizations need to make ...
Upcoming / 28 May, 2026
Energy volatility is no longer a future risk. It is a present-day operational challenge. Industrial firms are under growing pressure from fluctuating prices, shifting dependencies ...
Upcoming / 27 May, 2026
Industrial firms are being hit by operational shocks with growing frequency and complexity. Supply chain disruptions, energy price volatility, labour shortages and rapid shifts in ...
Upcoming / 16 April, 2026
On March 23, the Trump administration finalized a “deal” with TotalEnergies, under which the US will pay the French energy firm $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to relinquish offsh...
09 April, 2026
Industrial firms around the world are being hammered by operational dislocations and disruptions. Labour shortages, supply chain chokepoints, fast-changing import tariffs, rapid sh...
25 March, 2026
Energy price volatility, grid instability and geopolitical risk are exposing how vulnerable many organisations’ energy strategies really are. Energy, procurement, operations and su...
12 March, 2026