What does SBTi Validation mean for Virgin Group?
Virgin has announced that its net zero targets have officially been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The validation reinforces Virgin’s commitment to tackling climate change with science-aligned goals.
Reporting under Virgin Holdings Limited, this achievement is a significant milestone in the group’s long-term ambition of 'changing business for good'.
Science backed climate action
The SBTi approval confirms that Virgin’s emissions reduction targets align with the global climate science consensus.
Specifically, Virgin’s targets meet the criteria required to limit global warming to 1.5°C, widely recognised as the upper threshold to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
The company has committed to:
- Reaching net zero GHG emissions across its entire value chain by 2050
- Reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, using 2023 as a base year
- Achieving a 90% reduction in absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 2050
- Ensuring that 68% of Virgin companies (by emissions) will have their own science-based targets by 2029.
These commitments include land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.
“We know that as an airline we have a pivotal role to play in protecting the planet, while connecting people across the globe and strengthening crucial trade connections,” says Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic.
Why does SBTi matter?
The UN has called the global climate situation a code red for humanity.
In 2021, SBTi launched the world's first net zero standard, providing a framework for companies to set science-based net zero targets.
With the world on the brink of exceeding the 1.5°C temperature rise limit, immediate and drastic emissions cuts are essential.
As of 2025, more than 10,000 global companies have set or committed to SBTI-validates science-based climate targets.
Virgin’s approach acknowledges this urgency by setting ambitious targets and prioritising reductions over offsets.
“For more than a decade we’ve been leading the way in the decarbonisation of the aviation industry,” explains Shai.
“The carbon targets outlined today will help us achieve this as we work tirelessly on our mission to reach net zero emissions by 2050.”
This validation also supports greater transparency and accountability in Virgin’s sustainability reporting, enabling stakeholders to track progress against independently verified benchmarks.
A sustainable spotlight
A standout example within the Virgin Group is Virgin Atlantic, which is pioneering sustainability within aviation – one of the most challenging industries to decarbonise.
SAF leadership
In 2023, Virgin Atlantic operated the world’s first commercial transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), proving SAF is a viable alternative to fossil jet fuel.
This follows more than 15 years of SAF development and advocacy.
Virgin Atlantic aims to use 10% SAF by 2030 and has signed offtake agreements with SAF suppliers.
It is a founding member of the UK’s Jet Zero Council and Sustainable Aviation Coalition, working collaboratively to scale the SAF industry.
Fleet efficiency
With one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets globally, Virgin Atlantic has already cut fleet carbon emissions by 20%.
Continuous investment in operational efficiency and technology aims to deliver further emission reductions.
Onboard sustainability
The airline has removed millions of single-use plastic bottles and introduced sustainable alternatives, including:
- Recyclable cans and multi-pour water bottles
- Amenity kits made from paper, cutting 9 tonnes of plastic annually
- Uniforms containing 25% recycled plastic
- Plant-based meal containers and pressed-board cutlery
- Bamboo stirrers and recycled cups.
“Aviation is a truly global industry, and we can’t tackle this on our own,” explains Shai.
“That’s why we’re continuing to work closely with the UK’s Jet Zero Council and Sustainable Aviation, as well as aligning with innovation and technology partners across the industry and beyond.
“There is a long road ahead but we’re committed to pioneering change and being transparent on our progress, on our way to a low carbon future.”
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