SBTN: How to Implement the Science Based Targets for Nature

The Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) represent a strategic framework allowing companies and organisations to align their practices and operations with the conservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Implementing SBTN involves a commitment to science in order to define goals that minimise the negative impacts on ecosystems and that also promote regeneration and the protection of nature.

Index

What is SBTN?

The Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) is a global initiative that looks to establish clear and measurable scientific objectives for the conservation and restoration of nature, similar to what the Science Based Targets (SBT) did for the climate.

This initiative acknowledges the overlap between climate systems and natural systems, and it looks to align corporate and governmental actions with the planet’s limitations and ecological thresholds.

The SBTN’s principal objective is to ensure that organisations, especially companies, adopt sustainable practices that not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the restoration of harmed ecosystems.

By defining targets based on scientific evidence, companies can effectively contribute to preventing biodiversity loss and fostering ecological resilience.

Importance of the SBTN for environmental conservation

The importance of the Science Based Targets for Nature on environmental conservation is significant and multifaceted, as it provides a structured and scientifically validated framework to guide global conservation and sustainability actions, especially in the business sector. Some of the most relevant aspects that highlight its importance are detailed below:

Scientific Focus for Sustainability: The SBTN is based on the best available science defining clear and reachable objectives that are aligned with planetary limitations. This focus ensures that the taken actions are not only ambitious but also realistic and effective in protecting and restoring nature.
Corporate Responsibility: Upon adopting SBTN, companies commit to reduce their negative impact on nature and to actively contribute to its conservation and restoration. This creates a better and more transparent corporate responsibility, as companies need to report on their progress towards achieving these targets.
Connection between Climate and Biodiversity: The SBTN recognises and tackles the overlap between climate stability and the health of natural ecosystems. Upon integrating nature based conservation objectives with strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, a holistic approach is promoted for the planetary crisis.
Impulse towards Innovation: The establishment of ambitious science based targets challenges companies to innovate their business processes, products and models. Bringing with it the development of new technologies and sustainable practices that in turn reduce the ecological footprint and promote the efficient use of resources.
Promotion of Ecological Resilience: Through encouraging the protection and restoration of ecosystems, the SBTN contributes to the increased resilience of systems facing anthropogenic pressures and climate change impacts.
Incentivisation for Collective Action: The SBTN can serve as a catalyst for collective action amongst companies, governments, civil society organisations and communities. Upon establishing common science based objectives, it encourages collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and resources towards the conservation of nature.
Aligning with Global Targets: The SBTN helps align companies’ conservation and sustainability actions with global targets, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris agreement on climate change, contributing therefore to wider international efforts.

The SBTN is fundamental for environmental conservation as it provides a rigorous framework, based on evidence, for the integration of sustainability into corporate decisions and operations, promoting the more responsible and sustainable management of natural resources and planetary ecosystems.

Development and Implementation of the SBTN

The development and implementation of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) into companies involves a structured and strategic process.

This process ensures that the established goals are aligned with the latest scientific findings on planetary limitations and requirements for the protection and restoration of natural systems.

How is the SBTN Formulated

The formulation of the SBTN starts with an understanding of the most significant environmental impacts of a company and how their operations and supply chain interact with the environment.

This process is based on rigorous scientific principles identifying which aspects of biodiversity and ecosystems need to be protected or restored. It considers factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, contamination, raw material usage and the loss of habitats and biodiversity.

The Application of SBTN in Companies

The implementation of the SBTN in companies can be divided into various key steps:

1. Evaluate

Companies start by evaluating how their operations and supply chain impact and depend upon nature.

It’s necessary to identify the critical areas where the company has the most negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as where their operations depend on vital ecosystem services.

2.Interpret and Prioritise

An analysis is carried out to interpret the results of the evaluation, identifying risks and opportunities related to biodiversity and ecosystems.

The companies prioritise actions based on this analysis, focusing on the areas where they could have the greatest net positive impact.

3. Measure, Fix and Disclose

Based on assessment and prioritisation, companies set clear and measurable targets to reduce their negative impact and increase positive impacts on nature.

Once they’re established, these targets are made public to guarantee transparency and to encourage accountability.

4. Take Action

The companies develop and implement strategies to reach the fixed objectives, which in many cases require rethinking processes and operations.

Collaboration with providers and partners is essential to improve sustainability practices within the supply chain.

5. Tracking

The companies monitor and report regularly on their progress towards the SBTN targets, adjusting their strategies as necessary to ensure compliance with the targets.

Ideally, this tracking includes independent third party verification validating progress and guaranteeing the credibility of the company’s actions.

Challenges and Opportunities

The adoption of the Science Based Targets Network presents many challenges as well as opportunities for companies.

These challenges and opportunities mould how organisations can effectively integrate the SBTN into their business policies and strategies.

Challenges in the Adoption of SBTN

Here we see the principal challenges:

Complexity of the Ecosystems: Ecosystems are complex and their interactions are often not completely understood. This means it can be a challenge establishing precise and measurable targets that adequately reflect the impact a company has on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Data and Metrics: The lack of trustworthy data and standardised metrics to measure the impact on biodiversity can make the precise evaluation of these impacts and the efficacy of mitigation actions harder.
Organisational Change: The implementation of SBTN can require significant changes to operations, supply chains and business strategies, which can be internally resisted due to cost perceptions or interruptions.
Collaboration and Coordination: The necessity for collaboration throughout the supply chain and with stakeholders in order to achieve sustainability objectives can be a challenge, especially in highly competitive and fragmented industries.

Without a doubt these challenges are compensated by the opportunities SBTN presents.

Future Opportunities for SBTN

Innovation and Competitivity: The adoption of SBTN can promote innovation in products, services and business models, improving companies’ competitiveness as they align themselves with the increasing sustainability demands of consumers and investors.
Access to New Markets: Companies that adopt sustainable practices can access new markets and business opportunities, especially in sectors where sustainability is becoming a prerequisite.
Resilience and Risk: Implementing SBTN can increase a company’s resilience by reducing the associated risks with the degradation of the environment, such as scarce natural resources and stricter environmental regulation.
Reputation and Stakeholder Relationships: Companies that lead in sustainability can improve their reputation and strengthen their stakeholder relationships, including clients, employees, governments and communities.

Integration of SBTN in Business Policies and Strategies

Integrating SBTN into business strategy is without a doubt the most important step to having success in its implementation. Below we see some pointers on how to effectively carry out the integration:

Commitment to Leadership: Commitment to business leaders is essential to integrate SBTN into corporate strategies, securing resources and aligning corporate culture with sustainability objectives.
Incorporation into Strategic Planning: SBTN should be integrated into the company’s strategic planning and decision making, considering both nature related risks and opportunities.
Collaboration Along the Supply Chain: Working with suppliers, customers and other partners to promote sustainable practices along the supply chain is essential to achieving SBTN’s objectives.
Investment in Innovation: Companies must be willing to invest in research and development to innovate upon products, services and processes that minimise environmental impact.
Education and Communication: Fostering awareness and understanding of the importance of the SBTN among employees, customers and other stakeholders is key to generating collective support and action.

Integrating the SBTN into business policies and strategies helps us to address global environmental challenges and seize emerging opportunities in the green economy. By doing so, companies can ensure their long-term viability and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

Conclusion

The integration of the Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) into business operations represents a vital commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, addressing both current global challenges and preparing for future opportunities.

In this context, the sustainability data management software is an essential tool, permitting the affective adoption and application of the SBTN on multiple fronts:

It facilitates the collection and analysis of complex data related to a company’s environmental impact. By providing detailed metrics and analysis, the software helps set science-based goals that are both ambitious and achievable.
Improve transparency and communication. Specialised software can automate data collection and generate sustainability reports that meet international standards, facilitating disclosure to stakeholders and building trust.
Optimise value chain management. Sustainability data management software enables companies to assess and improve sustainability practices throughout their supply chain, identifying risks and opportunities to collaborate with suppliers to implement more sustainable practices.
Drives innovation and business strategy. By providing data-driven insights, the software helps companies identify and prioritise areas where innovation can have the greatest positive impact on sustainability.

If you want to know more about how APLANET’s software can help you, speak here with a sustainability specialist who can analyse your individual scenario.

Subscribe to our resource hub to keep up to date with the latest trends in the sector

ESGregulationReportingsustainability