SBTi target examples · read from SBTi’s own records
SBTi target examples: Tesco, AstraZeneca and Scope 3
SBTi target examples are most useful when you read them the way the Science Based Targets initiative records them: metric, scope, base year, target year and status, together.
This page sets two historical Science Based Targets initiative target examples, Tesco and AstraZeneca, beside the rows the SBTi dashboard holds for them today.
Case study against today’s row
SBTi target examples: the case study and the current record
| Company | Historical case study | SBTi dashboard row, retrieved 11 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Tesco | 60% absolute Scope 1 and 2 cut by 2025 from 2015; Scope 3 17% by 2030; approved June 2017 (case study) | 82.6% absolute Scope 1 and 2 cut by 2032 from 2015, 1.5°C; Scope 3 near-term targets of 55% and 39.4%; net-zero by 2050; published 24 August 2023 (by-target download) |
| AstraZeneca | 98% Scope 1 and 2 cut by 2026 from 2015; Scope 3 50% by 2030 from 2019; 90% by 2045 (case study) | The same near-term figures; supplier engagement targets of 95% and 50% by 2025; net-zero by 2045; all published 28 October 2021 (by-target download) |
How targets are set and checked is on the SBTi target setting guide, and the rules each one is measured against are on the SBTi criteria page.
Read the examples / 01
SBTi target examples: Tesco’s historical target
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Reading check 1
Scope and baselineKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
Value chainKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
Delivery planningKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Scope and baseline
Module 02 / 04
Value chain
Module 03 / 04
Delivery planning
Module 04 / 04
Current status
Read the examples / 02
SBTi net-zero examples: AstraZeneca’s different horizons
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Reading check 1
OperationsKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
Value chainKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
Different basesKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Operations
Module 02 / 04
Value chain
Module 03 / 04
Different bases
Module 04 / 04
Reading the example
Read the examples / 03
SBTi supplier engagement examples: the denominator matters
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Reading check 1
Spend coverageKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
Separate categoriesKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
Action and trackingKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Spend coverage
Module 02 / 04
Separate categories
Module 03 / 04
Action and tracking
Module 04 / 04
Limit
Read the examples / 04
SBTi target examples, read in four parts
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Continue with the Science-based targets criteria guide for the related question.
Reading check 1
MetricKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
Base yearKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
Target yearKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Metric
Module 02 / 04
Base year
Module 03 / 04
Target year
Module 04 / 04
Boundary
Read the examples / 05
A worked reduction example, clearly illustrative
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Continue with the How to set science-based targets guide for the related question.
Reading check 1
Starting quantityKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
Illustrative reductionKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
What it omitsKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Starting quantity
Module 02 / 04
Illustrative reduction
Module 03 / 04
What it omits
Module 04 / 04
Practical use
Read the examples / 06
Science Based Targets initiative target examples: commitment, validation and progress
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Continue with the SBTi hub guide for the related question.
Reading check 1
CommitmentKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
ValidationKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
PerformanceKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Commitment
Module 02 / 04
Validation
Module 03 / 04
Performance
Module 04 / 04
Responsible quoting
Read the examples / 07
Turn an SBTi example into a better brief
Read the complete primary source alongside the explanation and its limits.
Continue with the SBTi consultancy guide for the related question.
Reading check 1
RouteKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 2
InventoryKeep the source and qualification attached.Reading check 3
ProgrammeKeep the source and qualification attached.Module 01 / 04
Route
Module 02 / 04
Inventory
Module 03 / 04
Programme
Module 04 / 04
Timing
A reading and preparation sequence
Science-based targets: from the question to the evidence
- Step 101
SBTi target examples: Tesco’s historical target
SBTi’s Tesco case study records targets approved in June 2017. This is an example of target wording and preparation, not a statement of Tesco’s current 2026 targets or achievements. - Step 202
SBTi net-zero examples: AstraZeneca’s different horizons
The SBTi case study illustrates why near-term operations and longer-term value-chain targets should be read separately. Its historical wording is not verified here as the current target record. - Step 303
SBTi supplier engagement examples: the denominator matters
A supplier-engagement target measures the share of suppliers meeting a condition. It is not the same metric as a percentage reduction in tonnes of emissions. - Step 404
SBTi target examples, read in four parts
A target is a bounded statement. Keep its metric, baseline, deadline and emissions boundary together whenever you quote it. - Step 505
A worked reduction example, clearly illustrative
This arithmetic example is fictional and teaches how an absolute percentage works. It is not an SBTi-approved target or a recommended ambition level.
Dates, with their status
The relevant dates, drawn in order
- 11 June 202601
V2.0 published
Publication is distinct from the opening of target validation. - 1 February 202702
General corporate V2.0 validation opens
Check financial-institution and sector-specific availability separately. The general corporate opening is not a promise that every route is available. - 31 January 202803
V1.3.1 submission window closes
The final date for submissions through the general V1.3.1 corporate transition window. - 1 February 202804
New corporate submissions use V2.0
Apply the relevant route and sector guidance; existing validated targets are not retrospectively invalidated by the transition.
Follow the topic
Science Based Targets initiative target examples, and where to go next
Start with the SBTi hub for what the initiative is and which version applies.
What changes for targets set from 2027 is on the net zero standard V2.0 guide.
Continue your research
Related reporting guides, one question at a time
Frequently asked
SBTi target examples, answered
What is a good SBTi target example?
One that states its metric, scope, base year, target year and percentage together, such as Tesco’s near-term target on the SBTi dashboard: an 82.6% absolute cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 from a 2015 base year, published on 24 August 2023.
Why does Tesco’s case study say 60% by 2025 when the dashboard says 82.6% by 2032?
The case study records the target approved in June 2017.
Tesco later set a new near-term target, which the SBTi published on 24 August 2023.
A case study is a snapshot; the dashboard row is the current record.
Where do I find a company’s current SBTi target?
On the SBTi Target Dashboard, or in its by-target download, which lists every target with its scope, percentage, base year, target year and publication date.
The dashboard is updated every Thursday.
Is a supplier engagement target the same as an emissions cut?
No. AstraZeneca’s supplier engagement targets measure the share of suppliers by spend that set science-based targets, not tonnes of emissions.
Near-Term Criteria C19 requires engagement targets to be fulfilled within five years.
Does an SBTi target example show the company met its target?
No. A target published on the dashboard has passed validation; whether the company is meeting it needs its reported emissions over time.
Can I copy an SBTi target example for my own company?
Copy its structure, not its numbers.
Your boundary, base year, Scope 3 categories and route (corporate or SME) set what your target must cover under the criteria in force when you submit.
Sources
Primary sources
Every figure, date and status on this page traces to the instrument’s owner.
Secondary commentary is never the source for a number.
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesAbout SBTi
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesStandards and guidance
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesHow target-setting works
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesTarget Dashboard
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesCorporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesSME validation route
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesFinancial institutions
- SBTi / SBTi ServicesForest, land and agriculture guidance
- SBTi ServicesCorporate V2.0 transition guide
- SBTi ServicesTarget Validation Service Offerings
- DBTUK Sustainability Reporting Standards
- SBTiHistorical Tesco case study
Historical wording and approach; current status and achievement must be checked separately.
- SBTiHistorical AstraZeneca net-zero case study
Historical wording and approach; current status and achievement must be checked separately.
- SBTiHistorical AstraZeneca supplier-engagement case study
Historical wording and approach; current status and achievement must be checked separately.
- SBTiTarget Dashboard download, by target (targets-excel.xlsx)
Data of 8 October 2026, retrieved 11 October 2026.
- SBTiTarget Dashboard download, by company (companies-excel.xlsx)
Data of 8 October 2026, retrieved 11 October 2026.