Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN)
Only now is there concerted effort to develop global targets for maintaining nature’s functions upon which human well-being and business performance depends. SBTN provide methods for translating these global targets to individual corporate targets. The 1.5 degree increase in global temperatures is one such target that is translated into a corporate level through three alternate methods. This is corporate target, in turn, allows companies to drive change knowing that it will reduce regulatory uncertainty, increase investor confidence, drive innovation and improve corporate competitiveness.
Target setting methods are now being develop for land, water, biodiversity & oceans. These targets rest on global planetary boundaries concepts shown in this figure:

Please see this brief summary of the method.
The journey begins today with an analysis of your companies’ SBTN governance systems, baseline assessments, goal setting and by taking ”no regret” actions.
Additional resources can be found below.
For more information please contact us at: Info@SustainableFlows.com.
SBTN administration
The Science Based Targes Network, a child project of the Global Commons Alliance, manages SBTN and its global network of partners and stakeholders. Together they are will defining science based targets for nature for companies and cities. This complement the work of the Science Based Targets initiative that is focused on climate.
While these groups finalize methods for all SBTN through 2022, is much that can start today.
Begin your journey
Please contact Sustainable Flows today to start your:
- SBTN governance benchmarking to determine if the right systems and procedures are in place
- Initial data collection and data gap analysis to demonstrate efficacy and build motivation
- Start prioritization and actions while also mapping stakeholders
- Conduct baseline assessments for advanced methods such as water and land extent
- Set corporate SBTNgoals, to the extent possible
- Take “no regrets” actions
These steps build on existing efforts and can be implemented quickly. They will set your company apart from those waiting for completed methods to even begin.
Resource
- SBTN Initial Guidance for Business has been released. It explains the rationale, summary of method and notes on getting started.
- Setting Context Based Water Targets and The Water Footprint Assessment Manual details water target methods, which are the most advance.
- With regards to biodiversity, since Alpro’s pilot study for agricultural value chains, there have been noted advances. IUCN STAR approach is effective. More valuable are the Corporate Natural Capital Accounting (CNCA) approaches that enable interoperable data with value beyond target setting.
- Land targets, too, can be easily built with CNCA approaches that have been demonstrated globally.
Contact us
Please contact us with any questions: Info@SustainableFlows.com.