Net zero targets triple as companies report SBTi benefits

The number of companies with net zero targets has tripled over the last 18 months as more and more firms report positive business impacts of having SBTi-validated goals.

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has released the result of a survey of 171 companies with validated targets and 22 case studies, showing that 91% of firms report overall positive business impacts from setting targets.

These positive impacts are reported across four key measures: strategic cohesion, stakeholder confidence, financial performance and climate impact.

For instance, 80% of companies reported improved strategic cohesion and long-term vision after setting targets. Almost all (95%) said their reputation with stakeholders was enhanced, while 80% reported strengthened investor relations. 

“Setting SBTi targets has been transformative for Lenovo,” said Ada Chávez, Lenovo’s Senior Engineer-Net-Zero Lead. “It has [...] strengthen[ed] confidence among investors, customers, suppliers, and employees. Internally, it has helped us align our global teams under a clear, credible framework." 

Improved financial performance

A large majority (92%) of companies surveyed also reported neutral or positive impacts on long-term financial performance, and case studies presented in the report show no evidence of negative gross margin or profitability impacts, while highlighting lower stock price volatility and strong margins during transition.

In addition, 86% of companies reporting accelerated decarbonisation as a result of aving set science-based targets. 

"In 2021, we set our first science-based target,” said Emily Jackson, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at The Economist Group. “In 2024, we exceeded that target, cutting our emissions by 34% compared with our 2020 base year. We have since increased our ambition: our current near-term target is to reduce absolute emissions by 43% by 2030. Setting a science-based target has helped guide our path from ambition to action." 

11,000 companies now have SBTi targets

With the benefits clearer than ever, more and more companies are adopting these targets: the number of companies with near-term targets has doubled, and net-zero targets have tripled in just 18 months.

The SBTi now works with 11,000 businesses across 86 territories, representing over 40% of global market capitalisation. “These results show that ambitious climate action isn’t just good for the planet – it drives competitiveness, investor confidence, and long-term growth,” said David Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of the SBTi. “Companies now have a clear business case – in a volatile world continuing to act boldly on climate, guided by robust, science-based frameworks, secures stronger preparedness for market demands, risk management, and growth planning."