Science-based targets

Transforming Corporate Sustainability from ambition to achievement. Science-based targets are scientifically grounded goals that provide a thorough analysis of your emissions and the effectiveness of your reduction plans.

Data-driven

Tailored

Net-zero

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Science-based targets provide clarity on your organisation’s carbon reduction efforts.

Set short-term, long-term, and net-zero targets.

Meet the SBTi requirements and have your targets validated.

Align with sector-wide or sector-specific SBTi 1.5ºC reduction pathways.

Join the 5000+ companies that have already embraced this new direction for our economy.

Strengthen your
sustainable strategy with Science-based targets.

Competitive advantage

Gain a competitive advantage and accurately assess risks for your business.

New opportunities

Attract new investors, business partners, employees, and customers.

Substantiated sustainability claims

Make substantiated sustainability claims and avoid greenwashing.

Compliance

Comply with legal requirements such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).

Our 3-step approach

The road to science-based targets

1

Define your base year

We start with defining your base year, based on a complete GHG inventory.

2

Set targets

We guide you in setting your SBTi targets, in line with SBTi guidelines.

3

Implement

We support you in translating your plan into action and monitoring your GHG footprint over time.

Our sustainability experts provide practical, tailored guidance for your organisation.

Every organisation and product requires a unique approach. With experience across a wide range of sectors, we are quick to adapt. Our extensive sustainability expertise ensures that we can offer the right solution for your organisation.

Whether you are a large or small business, a start-up or a company with a long history, offering a product, process, or service, we respond swiftly and support you in taking your next step.

From strategy to success: real-world applications

Testimonial client

“This is a placeholder”

- Lead name, Company

"We definitely learned a lot from the LCA. An LCA makes sustainability “real”; you get the facts instead of lingering in a sort of feeling or assumptions."

Jonne Gorter
Dille & Kamille

"Our collaboration with Hedgehog is very good. They are a reliable partner who understand the questions we have and offer regular and clear communication on the progress. Also, they are flexible and adapt data based on new insights generated from discussions or new data from stakeholders."

Laura Koedijk
Studio Anneloes

"With the comprehensive environmental assessments provided by Hedgehog, we can confidently show our commitment to sustainability.Hedgehog’s in-depth insights and user-friendly dashboards not only make complex data more accessible, but also help turn those insights into actionable strategies."

Sam Colby
Sheertex

"It was very pleasant to work with Hedgehog and to map the environmental impact of the most commonly used packaging in the environmental testing market. The experts of Hedgehog thought along well and were very flexible and accurate in carrying out the assignment."

Erik Langerak
Eurofins

Frequently asked questions

Check out our FAQs or ask us anything that is not fully covered by sending us a message.

Science-based targets are CO₂ reduction goals aligned with the latest climate science. These targets support the objectives of the Paris Agreement, specifically aiming to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a non-profit organisation that has established and validates Science-Based Targets.

The SBTi is registered as a charity, and its partners include the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

For scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, you can set the following targets:

Short-term targets: These are emission reduction goals for 5–10 years, aligned with 1.5°C scenarios.
Long-term targets: Goals to reduce emissions to a residual level, aligned with 1.5°C, by 2050 at the latest.
Net-zero targets: The most ambitious targets (defined by the Corporate Net Zero Standard) aiming to reach long-term SBTs and neutralise any remaining emissions through CO₂ removal/storage.

This is a division in greenhouse gas emissions, originating from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG-protocol).

Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
Scope 3: Emissions from your value chain, such as suppliers and product usage.

The SBTi has developed a step-by-step framework to help organisations set their targets. You will then submit your targets to the SBTi for validation.

Targets are only validated by the SBTi if they meet the detailed criteria outlined in their standards. These criteria are based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol principles, supplemented with other specific requirements.

You start by conducting a comprehensive and up-to-date GHG inventory of your scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This inventory calculates your company’s CO₂ footprint and will serve as the baseline year for setting your targets. It is required that this inventory is completed before you can commit to the SBTi.

The process of setting and having Science-Based Targets validated can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of business activities, data availability, and how well current business goals align with climate science.

In general, the entire process—from preparing to receiving SBTi approval—can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on specific circumstances and process efficiency.

You can also choose to set targets in line with SBTi requirements without having them validated.

To set Science-Based Targets, you need detailed data on your organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Start by collecting internal data on energy use, such as electricity, gas, and other fuels used in company buildings, production processes, and operational activities.

For scope 3 emissions, which primarily relate to your value chain, you will need data on emissions from suppliers. You should also consider data on commuting, business travel, and waste.

Various departments within the organisation need to provide the data, such as process and project managers, procurement, logistics, HR, or R&D. For an efficient process, it is helpful to have a designated contact person responsible for the process. We guide you through the entire process.

François

Our expert on
Science based targets

Get in touch

Whether you are a large or small business, a start-up or a company with a long history, offering a product, process, or service, we respond swiftly and support you in taking your next step.