What are Science-Based Targets, the CDP and EcoVadis?
What Is the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?
The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) helps companies set greenhouse gas reduction targets that align with climate science—specifically, the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C.
SBTi provides:
Methodologies for calculating emissions targets
Validation of corporate targets
Sector-specific guidance
Why it matters: Companies that commit to SBTi are signaling serious intent to decarbonize. Increasingly, large buyers require suppliers to set science-based targets as part of procurement criteria—making SBTi a key lever for change across the value chain.
What Is EcoVadis?
EcoVadis is a global sustainability ratings platform that evaluates companies on environmental, social, and ethical performance. It provides scorecards based on:
Environmental impact
Labor and human rights
Ethics
Sustainable procurement
Why it matters: Many multinational corporations use EcoVadis to assess and monitor their suppliers. A strong EcoVadis score can be a competitive advantage—and a poor score can be a barrier to doing business.
What Is the CDP?
CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) is a nonprofit that runs a global disclosure system for environmental impacts. Companies, cities, and governments report data on:
Greenhouse gas emissions
Climate risks
Water and forest management
Why it matters: CDP scores are used by investors, customers, and regulators to evaluate climate performance. Many companies now require their suppliers to disclose through CDP to ensure transparency and accountability.
Why These Are Customer-Driven Initiatives
All three—SBTi, EcoVadis, and CDP—are part of a growing trend where large buyers use their purchasing power to drive sustainability upstream. Instead of waiting for regulation, they’re asking suppliers to:
Set science-based targets
Disclose emissions and climate risks
Demonstrate ethical and environmental performance
This shift is reshaping supply chains. Companies that want to stay competitive must now treat sustainability as a core business requirement—not just a branding exercise.
