The Science Based Targets Network launched the first set of validated science-based targets for nature, targeting goals on freshwater and land. Global companies GSK, Kering, and Holcim have become early adopters of these nature-focused targets, part of SBTN’s ongoing mission to drive corporate action beyond climate emissions.
Launched in 2019 by a coalition of leading organizations, such as CDP, WWF, World Resources Institute, and the United Nations Global Compact, SBTN aims to enable companies and cities to operate within one planet boundaries. The SBTN initiative leverages off the momentum built by science-based targets, which was emissions-focused but addressed impact on biodiversity, land, freshwater, and oceans.
The targets follow a yearlong pilot program launched in May 2023, by which 17 companies-including GSK, Kering, and Holcim-trialed the validation process. This pilot focused on assessing and setting goals for freshwater and land impacts, such as freshwater quality and the protection of terrestrial ecosystems. Sixty percent of the companies involved received validation for some or all of their targets, and GSK, Kering, and Holcim are the first to publicly disclose and implement their commitments. The remaining companies have until January 2025 to adopt their targets.
Erin Billman, executive director of SBTN, described it as critical, where this science-based targets for nature bridge the critical gap left in corporate sustainability efforts. Erin praised companies that are taking bold steps in the belief that credible nature action was possible and that it needs to happen now. Corporate action in land use can also involve impacts from both freshwater and land. The luxury group has set direct operations target for fresh water, especially for the tanneries and the factories in Arno basin in Tuscany. Besides that, the group incorporated ecosystem conversion combat measures with reduction of the land footprint as well as strategic landscape initiatives. GSK focuses on freshwater sustainability in all of its targets, one of which will be Upper Godavari basin in India. The company will reduce water consumption in its Nashik manufacturing location, revitalize nature by restorative replenishment activities, and engage with local partners on collaborative water issues. Holcim has pledged to achieve a 39% reduction in freshwater abstraction in its direct operations in Mexico’s Moctezuma basin by 2030, benchmarked on the average of the years 2022 and 2023.
As per Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer at Holcim, the approach of the SBTN holds great value to the company since it ensures that companies have a comprehensive framework regarding the assessment, measurement, and setting of impactful nature targets from operations to supply chains.