SBTi Academy: Setting Sustainable Corporate Climate Targets

To enhance corporate climate literacy, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched its new online learning platform, the SBTi Academy.

This digital hub is designed to become the primary resource for training, upskilling and certifying professionals in the methodologies of setting credible, science-based emissions reduction targets.

The platform aims to demystify the complexities of the target-setting process, ensuring alignment with the latest SBTi standards and best practices.

Training hubs for every skill level

The creation of the academy addresses a growing need within the corporate world.

As pressure mounts from investors, consumers and regulators for transparent and ambitious climate action, companies are increasingly seeking to develop robust decarbonisation strategies.

The SBTi Academy is intended to build a global pool of skilled professionals equipped to guide these companies, fostering greater corporate climate leadership and embedding scientific rigour into sustainability strategies.

The platform offers a variety of learning pathways that cater to both individuals and organisations, recognising that they will be at different stages of their climate journey.

From foundational concepts for beginners to advanced technical certifications for experienced experts, the academy provides a structured route to mastering climate target setting.

The SBTi Academy’s curriculum is thoughtfully structured into three distinct hubs, each curated to match a user's specific level of experience and knowledge of climate targets. 

This tiered system allows users to progressively build on their existing understanding or formally demonstrate their proficiency through a rigorous certification process.

“While the appetite for science-based targets is growing, access to skills is a common barrier to target-setting,” says Tracy Wyman, Chief Impact Officer of the Science-Based Targets initiative.

“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 decarbonise, the SBTi Academy aims to bridge the skills gap to set companies up for success.”

Beginning the sustainability journey 

The journey begins at the Onboarding Hub, which is specifically aimed at those new to the concept of science-based targets.

It provides a comprehensive introduction to what these targets are, why they are a critical component of any credible corporate climate strategy and the initial steps an organisation must take to get started.

Recognising the need for accessibility, all content within this foundational hub is available free of charge.

The modules include a 60-minute introduction to science-based targets, a 65 to 70-minute overview of core technical concepts and dedicated sessions on the target-setting journey.

It also provides specific guidance for the streamlined Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) route and the Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) framework.

Developing practitioner expertise

For professionals already active in sustainability, ESG, procurement or corporate reporting, the Practitioner’s Hub offers more specialised, in-depth content.

This section is designed to deepen a user's understanding of how to apply science-based targets in practical, real-world business contexts, moving from theory to application.

This hub is divided into two module types.

The 'Exploring' modules, which are also free to access, unpack the various standards, tools and guidance documents developed by the SBTi.

These courses cover essential topics such as the GHG Protocol, the accounting standard for emissions, as well as the nuances of setting corporate near-term targets and long-term net zero targets.

Following this, the 'Applying' modules provide advanced, paid-for training that focuses on the practical implementation of corporate target setting.

These sessions are designed to equip practitioners with the skills to navigate common challenges, such as Scope 3 data collection and target modelling, preparing them to lead internal decarbonisation efforts effectively.

The final and most advanced section is the SBTi Certified Experts Hub, which offers a formal certification for highly experienced practitioners and consultants.

The SBTi has clarified that this is for individuals who already possess an in-depth understanding of the initiative.