The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has announced two governance developments, including its approval as an ISEAL Alliance Community Member and the opening of applications for the next term of its independent Technical Council.
Approval as an ISEAL Community Member signals the SBTi’s commitment to the ISEAL Credibility Principles for sustainability systems. As part of the community, the SBTi will take part in ISEAL-led learning, collaboration and innovation activities aimed at strengthening standard-setting systems over time.
ISEAL sets and promotes good practice for sustainability standards and systems. Community Membership is designed for organisations seeking to improve governance, transparency and impact measurement through continuous learning and peer collaboration.
The announcement follows a series of governance measures implemented by the SBTi in recent years. These include its establishment as an independent entity and registered charity in England and Wales, oversight by a legally constituted Board of Trustees, a dedicated target validation arm, publicly available standard development procedures, and an independent Technical Council responsible for oversight of technical standards.
Alongside the ISEAL decision, the SBTi has opened applications for the 2026–2029 term of its Technical Council, the body responsible for reviewing and approving SBTi standards and other normative documents. The organisation is seeking candidates with extensive expertise in climate mitigation and sustainability.
Technical Council members serve three-year terms. To maintain continuity, the SBTi will apply a staggered rotation model, allowing up to two-thirds of existing members to be renewed for a second term while appointing five new members each year. The next term will begin on 1 July 2026.
Applications must be submitted by 26 February 2026 and will be reviewed through a process overseen by an independent Nominations Committee. The SBTi said it encourages applications from experts across diverse geographies, sectors and perspectives.
David Kennedy, chief executive of the Science Based Targets initiative, said: “Approval for Community Membership of ISEAL is a significant milestone for the SBTi, demonstrating that we are a trusted standard-setting organisation. This is a clear signal to the market of our commitment to transparency, impartiality and collaboration.”
Karin Kreider, executive director of ISEAL, said: “The science is clear – the climate crisis demands urgent action. We look forward to working with SBTi to continue improving their system and supporting robust, science-based practice.”
