Jul 1, 2019 — Cundall

What are Science Based Targets?

By Ding Li

Cundall has received approval from the Science-Based Targets initiative for their greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. These targets form part of Cundall’s wider sustainability roadmap, One Planet, One Chance which was launched in September last year.

Cundall has embarked on their Science Based Target (SBT) journey as well as helping other companies understand how they can use SBT to set clear objectives that demonstrate commitment to the Paris Agreement. So, what does SBT mean?

Why are science-based targets needed?

Paris Agreement – The Paris agreement in 2015 saw 195 of the world’s governments commit to prevent dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. In the recent IPCC report, this has now been amended to 1.5 degrees.
Emissions Gap – Each year, the UN’s Emissions Gap Report takes stock of where global greenhouse gas emissions are headed versus where they need to be if we are to avoid the worst climate impacts.
Business Take Action – Businesses must take swift action to close the gap on green house gas emissions to limit global warming.

What are Science Base Targets?

Joint Initiative – CDP, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and WWF.
Clear Targets – Helping corporations to establish greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with climate science.
Objectively Assessed- creating transparency and accountability by encouraging the wide dissemination of the data that will allow companies’ actions to be objectively assessed.
Global Benchmark– Recognised globally and being implemented across a wide range of sectors.

Science Based Target Terminology

GHG Scopes – The Greenhouse Gas Protocol categorises direct and indirect emissions into three broad scopes:
- Scope 1 – All direct GHG emissions.
- Scope 2 – Indirect GHG emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam.
- Scope 3 – Other indirect emissions, such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport-related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting entity, electricity-related activities (e.g. transmission and distribution losses) not covered in Scope 2, outsourced activities, waste disposal.