T1.2: Science-Based Targets – Above Green

Intent

Science-based targets provide companies with a clearly defined pathway to future-proof growth by specifying how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Setting science-based targets demonstrates a formal commitment to reducing GHG emissions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – to limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Science-based targets can strengthen investor confidence regarding transition risk and guide the entity in its transition to a low-carbon economy. GRESB assesses the existence of science-based targets, not the ambition level of these targets.

Requirements

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.

Is the entity’s GHG emissions target science-based?

Yes
- Has the target been approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative?
  - Yes
  - No
- Select the scope of the science-based target:
  - Scope 1
  - Scope 2 (location-based)
  - Scope 2 (market-based)
  - Scope 1+2 (location-based)
  - Scope 1+2 (market-based)
  - Scope 1+2 (location-based) + Scope 3
  - Scope 1+2 (market-based) + Scope 3
  - Scope 3
  - Other: ______________
No
Not applicable

Other: State the other scope used to define the science-based target.

Validation

See Appendix 2a for additional information about GRESB Validation.

Scoring

Not scored, E

This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.

Terminology

Science-based target: A performance target, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, which is in line with the Paris Agreement - to limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Science-based targets must cover company-wide scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, as defined by the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, and must cover a minimum of 5 years and maximum of 15 years.

References

CDP Climate Change Reporting Guidance, 2019: C4.1

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Metrics and Targets- C

Science Based Targets initiative, 2020