Practising What We Preach: Adelie’s Climate Targets Officially Approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
At Adelie, our core purpose is helping organisations navigate the complexities of sustainability, reduce their impacts, and build resilient, net-zero strategies. But true leadership requires more than advising others; it requires practising what we preach.
We are pleased to share that our near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets have officially been assessed and approved by SBTi Services under their SME Criteria.
Here is a closer look at what the SBTi is, why science-aligned targets are vital for modern businesses, and what this achievement means for us at Adelie.
What is the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)?
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. Founded as a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting.
Targets are considered 'science-based' if they align with the scale of reductions required to keep global warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while actively pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, the threshold recommended by the IPCC to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
In short, the SBTi moves corporate sustainability away from arbitrary, self-defined goals and towards standardised, verifiable, and accountable action.
Why is getting your targets SBTi aligned so important?
As sustainability reporting regulations tighten and corporate accountability comes under greater scrutiny, setting arbitrary targets or relying on vague "eco-friendly" statements is no longer sufficient. Aligning your targets with the SBTi offers clear strategic and commercial advantages:
Credibility and eliminating greenwashing: Independent, third-party validation from the SBTi provides clear proof that your climate commitments are backed by science and aligned with global standards.
Supply chain & Scope 3 alignment: Large enterprises are increasingly requiring their suppliers to demonstrate verified decarbonisation plans. Having SBTi-aligned targets ensures your business remains competitive in tenders and procurement processes.
Regulatory readiness: Setting science-backed targets helps future-proof your business against rapidly evolving ESG disclosures and mandatory reporting frameworks across the UK and international markets.
Investor and stakeholder trust: Investors, clients, and employees want to see authentic commitment. Science-based targets demonstrate long-term strategic vision and proactive risk management.
Our commitment: What our SBTi targets mean for Adelie
As a sustainability consultancy, holding ourselves to the highest environmental standards is non-negotiable. Following formal assessment by the SBTi Target Validation Team, Adelie has committed to the following official target wording: "Adelie commits to maintain zero scope 1 and scope 2 emissions through 2030, and to measure and reduce its scope 3 emissions from a 2025 base year."
Breaking down our targets:
Scope 1 & 2 emissions: We are committed to keeping our direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from purchased electricity and energy (Scope 2) at zero through to 2030.
Scope 3 emissions: Recognizing that indirect value chain impacts form a significant portion of any consultancy's footprint, we are actively measuring and systematically reducing our Scope 3 emissions using 2025 as our baseline year.
Looking ahead
Setting science-based targets is a critical milestone, but it is only the beginning. Real impact comes from implementation, continuous measurement, and transparent reporting.
By ensuring our own business operates in line with a 1.5°C trajectory, we can better guide our clients along their own net-zero journeys with authentic insight, hands-on experience, and complete credibility.
Ready to set science-based targets for your organisation?
Whether you are looking to baseline your GHG emissions, navigate Scope 3 accounting, or submit targets for official SBTi validation, our team is here to help.
Get in touch to learn how we can support your climate strategy.
