The Shippers' Guide to Science Based Targets

Introduction: Navigating Sustainability Goals with Science-Based Targets

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions and other ambitious sustainability targets are goals on the horizon for many shippers. But the steps to achieving them may seem daunting or vague. Are sustainability efforts synced with the goals of global undertakings, like the Paris Agreement? Are strategies and target KPIs science-based and well-tested?

Considering the complexity of modern transportation networks, it’s understandable that many logistics professionals are unsure where to start when tasked with making operations more sustainable. For example, scope 3 emissions — greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted outside an organization’s own infrastructure — account for 70–90% of a shipper’s total GHG output. This can make it feel like many critical factors are beyond shippers’ control.

But a strategy based on targets set through the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) can help shippers clarify their emissions reduction focus. This framework offers organizations an evidence-based set of guidelines for reducing GHG emissions — and is particularly useful for helping determine the strategy and timeline for achieving scope 3 targets. In fact, organizations that embrace the SBTi model generally outpace global reduction trends.

The pressure to improve the sustainability of your transportation network will only increase in the coming years. Get ahead in your emissions reduction journey.

Benefits of SBTi for scope 3 emissions Interconnected network optimization: Implementing strategies to achieve science based targets can alleviate challenges across your network. For example, SmartWay Carrier Partners facilitates emissions reduction via fuel-efficient equipment while also supporting increased service, more reliable capacity, and long-term cost-benefits. Improved network relationships: Clearly defined sustainability targets uncover opportunities for stronger partner collaboration within your network. This transparency can facilitate quicker adoption of new sustainable solutions and technologies and more favorable shipper-carrier partnerships. Measurable sustainability strides: Scope 3 emissions vastly outweigh scopes 1 and 2. Though these emissions are more difficult to track, targets centered on scope 3 provide an actionable foundation for real sustainability impact. In fact, 96% of approved SBTi organizations have science-based targets covering scope 3 emissions specifically.

4 steps to integrate science-based targets

As you research and set science-based targets for your organization, here are four steps to design a roadmap toward a more sustainable future:

1. Establish cross-functional relationships.

   Your journey to integrating science-based targets starts with achieving internal alignment. This step is crucial from a leadership and governance perspective and ensures operational teams understand how sustainability initiatives translate into day-to-day tasks.

   As you dive deeper into the granular processes of setting sciencebased targets, maintaining cross-functional relationships between sustainability and transportation teams is key. No matter where you are in your sustainability journey, it’s never too late to establish this dialogue and design systems for streamlined collaboration and priority alignment across the entire organization.

2. Analyze your data sets

   Taking stock of your current emissions data lays the groundwork for effective target-setting. For scope 3 emissions in particular, much of your data will come from external suppliers, carriers, and other strategic partners. Establish communication channels to regularly access this data, but don’t forget about the information you have in-house.

   Chances are, the data readily available to you is more abundant than you think — and it can help inform your initial goals and measurement methodologies. Most importantly, assessing this inhouse data will reveal what granular network information is still missing to design rigorous science-based targets, so you can intentionally seek out that data from your partner network.

3. Evaluate strategic options

   Beyond comprehensive visibility into your network data, you require a robust strategy for operationalizing your science-based targets. If you don’t clarify which practices are necessary to reach your science-based goals, you risk putting your operational teams in a significant bind.

   Leverage a strategic partner like Breakthrough to help translate sustainability goals into a quantifiable and actionable strategy. Our CleanMile solution calculates scope 1 and 3 transportation emissions in your network and provides lane-specific recommendations for meeting even the most ambitious sciencebased targets.

4. Stay up to date

   The sustainability landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the guidelines, standards, and methodologies set forth by the SBTi. It’s critical to stay engaged with the SBTi’s updates and scope-specific guidance, as well as with larger evolutions in climate policy and increasingly stringent reporting regulations

A partner like Breakthrough can act as a strategic guide and keep you informed about the latest climate-related and emissions measurement developments. Science-based targets represent a deep, external commitment, so consider leaning on industry experts to support you in meeting governmental requirements as well as the SBTi’s annual reporting mandate.