Background: By setting SBTi targets, companies signal their intention to reduce emissions in line with science-based pathways toward global net-zero emissions by mid-century. This requires companies to take near-term action, as set out in a transition plan, and report regularly on their progress. To support accountability, targets are to be approved at the highest levels of governance within each company and integrated into corporate strategy and decision-making.
This chapter establishes requirements to ensure that companies’ validated targets are supported by appropriate governance and credible implementation planning. Transition plans translate targets into forward-looking implementation pathways: they outline the actions, timeframes, assumptions, and dependencies associated with achieving emissions reductions. Transparent transition planning is therefore key to implementing any company’s climate strategy, and lets stakeholders see how the company intends to deliver its targets.
The SBTi validates the presence of a transition plan and confirms that it includes the required elements set out in this chapter. However, this does not constitute an assessment or endorsement of the overall quality, completeness, or feasibility of the transition plan, including its compliance with applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Responsibility for the design, implementation, and delivery of the transition plan rests with the company.
To ensure that companies’ science-based targets are supported by strong governance, with oversight at the highest level of the organization, clear management responsibility for implementation, and integration of climate targets into corporate strategy and decision-making.
To ensure that a company’s validated targets are supported by a credible, time-bound transition plan that outlines how targets will be implemented, identifies key assumptions and dependencies, and provides transparent governance and accountability for implementation. For the purposes of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, the transition plan focuses on the actions and timelines required to deliver the company’s validated targets.
