What are Science Based Targets for Indian companies?

Science Based Targets (SBTs) are GHG emission reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Indian companies set near-term (5-10 year) and long-term (net-zero) targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) using sector-specific decarbonisation pathways.

Is SBTi mandatory for BRSR?

SBTi targets are not mandatory under BRSR, but BRSR Leadership indicators and BRSR Core assurance require disclosure of emission reduction targets and progress. Companies with validated SBTs score higher on ESG ratings and CDP disclosure.

How long does SBTi target validation take?

SBTi target validation typically takes 6-12 months from commitment to validation. The RSustain SBTi Pathway Modeller helps companies model targets before submitting to SBTi, reducing the risk of rejection.

SBTi · Net-Zero Standard v1.1 · 1.5°C · GHG Protocol

SBTi Pathway Modeller

Model science-based emission reduction targets for your company. Aligned with SBTi Criteria and Recommendations (v5.1) for near-term targets and Net-Zero Standard (v1.1) for long-term targets. See what reduction rate you need — annually and cumulatively to 2050.

Model Your Pathway → Climate Advisory

Why Set Science-Based Targets?

Over 100 Indian companies have committed to SBTi. BRSR Principle 6 asks about emission reduction targets. Investors and value chain partners increasingly expect science-based commitments.

Near-Term Targets

5-10 year reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C or well-below 2°C pathways. Uses Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach (SDA) for power/cement/steel, or Absolute Contraction for other sectors.

Long-Term Net-Zero

2050 (or sector-specific) net-zero target with interim milestones. Covers Scope 1, 2, and material Scope 3 categories. Residual emissions require permanent carbon removal.

India Context

India Net Zero 2070 commitment, 45% carbon intensity reduction by 2030, and 500 GW non-fossil capacity target. SBTi targets align with both global science and India NDC pathway.

What the Modeller Does

Target Calculation

1.5°C and well-below 2°C ambition levels
Annual reduction rate by scope
Cumulative reduction trajectory to 2050
Sector-specific methodology (SDA, convergence, absolute)
FLAG targets for land-use sectors

Action Planning

Renewable energy procurement targets
Energy efficiency improvement rates
Scope 3 engagement requirements
Residual emissions and removal needs
Investment requirement estimates

Carbon Management Workflow

1. Measure

ScopeTracer

GHG inventory

2. Target

SBTi Pathway

Set science-based goals

3. Verify

GHG Workbench

Pre-verification

4. Report

BRSR Autopilot

P6 disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GHG inventory before setting SBTi targets?

Yes. SBTi requires a complete GHG inventory (Scope 1, 2, and screening of all 15 Scope 3 categories) as the baseline for target-setting. Use our ScopeTracer to build your inventory first.

Is SBTi mandatory in India?

SBTi is voluntary. However, BRSR Principle 6 Leadership Indicators ask about emission reduction targets, and investors/ESG raters value science-based commitments. India Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) may create additional incentive for target-setting.

What is the cost of SBTi target validation?

SBTi charges a target validation fee based on company size (approximately USD 2,500-9,500). The Pathway Modeller helps you prepare your submission to reduce validation time and rejection risk.

Need Help Setting Science-Based Targets?

Our climate team provides end-to-end support — GHG inventory, SBTi target development, decarbonisation roadmap, and submission to SBTi for validation.

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