In 2024, the Science-based Targets for Nature (SBTN) made significant strides to assist companies and cities in setting Science-based Targets (SBTs) for nature conservation. A key development was the appointment of the Global Commons Alliance Accountability Accelerator (GCAAA) as the interim validation provider for these targets. This marks a new milestone in sustainable business practices and urban planning.
Independent Review and Validation by GCAAA
The Accountability Accelerator will evaluate each submitted nature target through an independent expert review process to ensure that companies’ and cities’ goals align with scientific requirements and support their public claims once validated. Both SBTN and the Accountability Accelerator are integral components of the Global Commons Alliance (GCA).
Call for Expressions of Interest
SBTN and the Accountability Accelerator invite companies and cities to express their interest in the new validation services. Motivated organizations are encouraged to lead the way in setting ambitious, science-based targets for nature. Companies not yet ready to set specific goals can still use SBTN’s technical guidance to assess and prioritize their impacts on nature.
Rigorous Assessment and Support
GCAAA is finalizing its governance model, building a dedicated platform for target submission and validation, and recruiting and training validators. The need for independent validation of SBTs for Nature will be met through a rigorous assessment and compliance process overseen by the Accountability Accelerator.
For an interim period of two to three years, GCAAA will host the external validation process, ensuring a clear separation between method development and validation. Two new bodies, the Integrity Council and the Learning Committee, will be established to oversee the validation process and facilitate continuous learning.
Technical Updates and New Resources
In July, SBTN introduced new features and updates:
- Updated methods for assessing and prioritizing your organization’s impacts on nature (Steps 1 & 2 V1.1)
- Updated methods for setting targets on freshwater quantity and quality (Step 3 Freshwater V1.1)
- Updated methods for setting targets on land (V1, previously in beta)
New supporting guidance and resources were also released:
- A new Corporate Manual provides a comprehensive entry point into SBTN’s technical methods and is available as a downloadable document and an interactive version on the SBTN website.
- New illustrative case studies accompany the technical methods.
Additionally, the materiality screening tool, technical FAQs, and the high impact commodity list have been updated.
Support for Companies and Cities
SBTN invites companies, industry coalitions, and financial institutions to set science-based targets for nature and participate in developing cost-effective and user-friendly target-setting procedures. An official initial guidance for cities for setting SBTs for Nature is expected to be available in spring 2025.
DFGE is happy to support companies and city officials in starting their journey and joining the momentum on setting their science-based targets for nature. For more information, visit DFGE or contact us via email at or phone +49 8192 99 7 33-20.
These developments offer a great opportunity for companies and cities to take a leading role in nature conservation and sustainably manage their environmental impacts.
