Building measurable and credible emissions targets
Effective targets are specific, time-bound, and measurable. They should be backed by a plan that outlines actions, responsibilities, and metrics for tracking progress.
Steps to set targets:
- Establish a reliable baseline inventory covering relevant scopes and timeframes.
- Choose target types: percentage reductions, absolute emissions cuts, or intensity targets (e.g., emissions per unit of output).
- Align with science-based pathways if possible to ensure ambition matches climate science.
Tracking progress:
- Use clear KPIs and reporting cadences (monthly, quarterly, annual) and update calculations consistently.
- Assign ownership for each action and monitor implementation milestones as well as emissions outcomes.
- Use dashboards or simple spreadsheets to visualize trends and highlight areas off-track.
Adjust and communicate:
- Revisit targets periodically to incorporate new data, technologies, or business changes.
- Report progress transparently and explain any deviations, corrective actions, and lessons learned.
Combining clear targets with regular tracking, accountability, and transparent reporting turns ambition into measurable, verifiable progress toward lower emissions.