The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released two key documents to assist companies in meeting the required five-year update of their validated science-based climate targets.
The Mandatory Five Year Review Guidance offers detailed instructions for corporates and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on how to reassess and, if necessary, revise their targets within 12 months of reaching their five-year validation milestone. This update is a mandatory requirement under the SBTi Criteria and aims to ensure that targets remain aligned with the latest climate science and best practices.
This process does not evaluate companies’ progress toward their goals but instead focuses on maintaining the robustness and scientific integrity of targets over time. The updated approach is also intended to enhance transparency by more accurately reflecting target status in public data.
“To maintain credibility and competitiveness, businesses must ensure their climate targets remain scientifically sound and aligned with evolving expectations,” said Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Chief Technical Officer at SBTi. “These guidance documents offer clarity and reinforce the consistency of science-based target setting.”
In addition, SBTi has published the Commitment and Target Statuses document, which introduces a broader set of classifications to improve transparency and accountability. New sub-statuses such as ‘active’, ‘extended’, ‘updated’, ‘expired’, ‘inactive’, ‘withdrawn’, and ‘archived’ will be incorporated into the SBTi Target Dashboard starting 18 December 2025. These will replace the existing Commitment Compliance Policy and allow stakeholders to better assess the status of corporate climate pledges.
Both documents are available on the SBTi website and are part of the organisation’s effort to reinforce corporate climate leadership and keep pace with evolving scientific standards.
