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Here are the most noteworthy SBTi‑related developments from the last two days:
🆕 Recent News (July 14–15, 2025)
✅
Validated climate targets for Zentiva
Zentiva, a pharmaceutical company, had its science-based emissions reduction targets officially validated by SBTi on July 14, 2025.
Their commitments include:
Near-term (by 2034): Reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 63%, and Scope 3 emissions by 63% (from 2021 and 2024 baselines respectively).
Long-term (by 2050): Reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90%.
🏗️
STARK Group’s long-term emissions targets approved
On July 15, 2025, SBTi approved STARK Group’s climate targets:
By 2030: Reduce Scope 1 & 2 by 45%, and Scope 3 by 25%.
By 2050: Achieve at least a 90% reduction across Scope 1, 2, and 3.
STARK Group is the first in its sector to digitize detailed climate data (e.g., product-specific EPDs) for over 60% of its materials to support rigorous emissions tracking.
📦
Elanders climate targets validated
Elanders AB announced on July 15, 2025 that its climate targets have been validated by SBTi, confirming alignment with current climate science.
🔎 Broader Context & Ongoing Developments
📉
SBTi is no longer the only net-zero standard in play
Trellis, a sustainability media group, found that after SBTi removed net-zero validation for 239 companies, only 17 have been revalidated.
Many companies are now exploring alternative standards, such as the ACT Initiative (e.g., retail group Carrefour). Others, like Unilever, continue to pursue net-zero goals independently of SBTi validation.
🛠️
Drafting & revising SBTi’s new Corporate Net-Zero Standard
SBTi is in the process of revising its Corporate Net-Zero Standard (Version 2).
It’s gathering stakeholder input via Expert Working Groups on critical issues like:
Scope 3 emissions strategies
Carbon removals and permanence
Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM)
Public consultations and pilot testing are ongoing; the first consultation began no earlier than March 2025.
⚖️
Evolving balance between rigour and practicality
Climate Impact Partners proposed SBTi include more flexibility in the new standard by:
Recognizing BVCM (e.g., high-quality offsetting beyond value chains)
Allowing scaled carbon removals with gradual integration
Avoiding rigid mandates around supplier engagement
🌐
SBTi and Carbon Data Open Protocol (CDOP) reshape carbon markets
A joint shift toward greater transparency and interoperability in voluntary carbon markets is underway:
CDOP aims to standardize carbon market data.
SBTi’s Version 2.0 tightens rules around emissions reduction and strictly limits offset use to residual emissions.
Together, they mark a move towards more accountable, verifiable, and legally-sound carbon strategies.
📈
SBTi remains resilient under new leadership
Under new CEO David Kennedy (appointed January 2025), SBTi is seeing continued engagement, with 30% more companies submitting transition targets in 2025.
Kennedy emphasises a pragmatic approach, especially for hard-to-abate sectors, and plans a specialized net-zero standard for financial institutions.
🔚 TL;DR
Last two days: SBTi validated new climate targets for Zentiva, STARK Group, and Elanders.
Meanwhile, SBTi is navigating:
A rise in alternative standards
A revised net-zero standard with major stakeholder input
A shift towards transparency and accountability in carbon markets
A strong renewed push under new leadership
Would you like a breakdown of any of these items in greater detail or insights on how this may affect corporate climate strategies?