The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has published what it says is the world’s first register of science-based target setting experts. To gain certification, the SBTi Certified Experts have progressed through a rigorous seven-part assessment process to demonstrate their advanced proficiency in areas like greenhouse gas inventory assessment and modeling targets.
Global demand for green talent is outpacing supply twofold, with increases of 11.6% and 5.6% respectively. Meanwhile, surveys have found that 76% of businesses say that the early state of skills is the biggest upskilling challenge–with 68% of sustainability leaders saying they are “homegrown,” and hired from within their companies with more than half (60%) saying that were not initially hired for their sustainability expertise.
The SBTi certification confirms a level of skill that could help businesses navigate the nuances and technicalities of science-based target setting more efficiently. More expertise in navigating the interplay of climate science and business operations is urgently required to meet the sustainability skills demands of the future.
The certification process was completed through the SBTi’s new e-learning platform, the SBTi Academy. In addition to certification assessment, the platform offers nine hours of online training to help support the development of sustainability professionals with different skill levels, ultimately empowering sustainability professionals to guide organizations and clients in their decarbonization journeys.
As managing climate-related and transition risk becomes a cornerstone of business strategy across the world, companies need effective plans and strategies to inform their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But they also need professionals who are science-based target-setting experts.
The SBTi Academy is divided into three distinct hubs:
- Onboarding Hub: free training for beginners outlining the essentials. Modules include “Introducing Science-Based Targets” and “Understanding Technical Concepts.”
- Practitioners’ Hub: more advanced premium training with pathways based on the learner’s current role and expertise level. Modules include explorations and the application of the GHG Protocol, Corporate Near-Term Targets, and Corporate Net-Zero Targets.
- Certification Hub: a center of assessment for specialists, and provides certification to signal a comprehensive understanding of SBTi standards and requirements. Certified science-based target setting experts will be listed on the SBTi website.
“While the appetite for science-based targets is growing, access to skills is a common barrier to target-setting,” said Tracy Wyman, Chief Impact Officer of the Science-Based Targets initiative. “By providing foundational knowledge for those just setting out on their own sustainability journey and providing certification for sustainability experts already helping companies on their journeys to decarbonize, the SBTi Academy aims to bridge the skills gap to set companies up for success.”
