The Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) has launched a new framework to support the construction and Built Environment sector in achieving decarbonisation.
What is the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?
The SBTi was introduced in 2018 to help businesses set a clearly defined path in reducing their carbon emissions. Carbon reduction targets set by organisations are only considered Science Based if they are in line with the latest climate science and the Paris Agreement to limit global warming by 1.5C. Organisations across a wide range of sectors can adopt SBTi targets to support their own decarbonisation plans.
How will this framework impact the Built Environment sector?
The Built Environment sector is one of the biggest contributors of global carbon emissions, accounting for over a quarter of energy related emissions. The construction industry is also significantly impacted by the climate crisis, with delays in construction caused by weather costing billions globally.
The new initiative targets businesses and financial institutions that own, lease or manage buildings, as well as those within the construction supply chain, by providing a “whole building approach” to lower carbon emissions. This is a comprehensive approach to decarbonising an entire building with multiple strategies. The concept is not just about reducing energy consumption but also about transforming the building’s overall energy and carbon emissions, this includes issues with emissions leakage. The aim of the framework is to support businesses in the sector in reducing their emissions, the impact they have on the planet and in turn the impacts of climate change.
What are the new requirements of the SBTi Buildings Framework?
- Reduce in-use operational emissions: In-use emissions are associated with a buildings’ energy use. The SBTi has worked with the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor initiative (CRREM) to develop regional pathways for in-use emissions so that targets reflect variations in local power grids and how buildings are used.
- Reduce upfront embodied emissions: Businesses will be required to set a target to reduce upfront embodied emissions, such as raw materials and manufacturing.
- Stop fossil fuel installations: This is in line with the public commitment to stop the installation of new fossil fuel heating, cooking, power and hot water generation from 2030.
- Retrofit inefficient buildings: The SBTi recommends organisations should make a commitment to implement energy efficiency improvements to support the decarbonisation of current and existing buildings.
The new framework sets a 1.5C aligned emissions reduction target for the buildings industry using the requirements to support organisations in reducing their emissions. This guidance has been developed to provide the sector with the tools to transform to a net zero economy.
The new framework was developed in consultation with an independent Expert Advisory Group (EAG) made up of companies, financial institutions, non-profit and multilateral organisations.
Why should organisations set SBTi targets?
There are a number of benefits for organisations to set their own Science Based Targets to reduce their emissions.
Organisations that set science based targets will support their long term carbon reduction plan and ensure their goals are aligned with the latest climate science. By making these public commitments to the SBTi, organisations can start their transition to net zero transparently, demonstrating to employees, stakeholders and customers that they are a leader in sustainability.
Organisations that are working towards net zero could see savings to their bottom-line as they make both carbon reduction changes and energy efficiency changes. The impact of the climate crisis is felt across a wide range of sectors, but the adverse weather and supply chain risks present a larger threat to organisations in the building industry.
With guidance from the Buildings Sector Science Based Target Setting Criteria, organisations in the buildings supply chain can set and deliver on their decarbonisation targets and ensure they are reducing the impact their organisation has on the climate crisis and therefore the impact the climate crisis has on them.