Quantifying SBTi Value
for a $75B+ Tech Company
How a technology leader proved the business value of their Science-Based Target Initiative to leaders within the business—demonstrating a 2x value increase over two years.
The Challenge: Skepticism Within the Business
A large technology company had already achieved an SBTi-approved emissions target, but leaders within the business were asking tough questions about the business value of this certification. The company needed concrete evidence to justify its climate investments.
The key question was: "What is the measurable business impact of having a certified, science-based target versus just having climate goals?" They needed data that would satisfy the most skeptical leaders within the business.
The Solution: Multi-Component Analysis
We brought together customer data, existing research, and original studies focused on corporate IT purchasers. The project included five key components to build a comprehensive financial framework.
Financial Framework
Built a thorough financial plan incorporating the key stages of customer decision-making to map climate impact to revenue.
IT Purchaser Study
Conducted research with 500 IT purchasers and 500 consumers to determine how climate leadership affected their purchasing preferences.
The Power of Quantification
Groundbreaking Research: Conducted what appears to have been the first-of-its-kind research into how quantification transforms climate leadership perception.
This pioneering study revealed that quantified goals (like "Reducing GHGs by 35%") significantly outperform qualitative statements (like "Being a Global Climate Leader") in establishing perceived leadership credibility and driving business value.
Sustainability's Impact on Decision Stages
Mapped how sustainability impacts the customer journey at each stage of the decision-making process—from initial awareness through final purchase.
Key Finding: Sustainability had a measurable impact on customer preferences and decision-making at every stage of the journey.
The Results: Concrete Financial Value
The key outcome was quantification—for the first time, the company had a concrete financial value that demonstrated the revenue benefits of having an SBTi-approved climate target. The analysis also illustrated that the value was increasing over time (which proved correct, as it more than doubled in the next two years), providing a roadmap for future climate investments.
For the first time, the company had a concrete, measurable financial value for SBTi certification—proving the revenue benefits and validating the investment.
The Bottom Line
We demonstrated that SBTi certification delivers measurable revenue benefits that grow over time, providing leaders within the business with the concrete business case they demanded.
Bottom Line
A $75B+ tech company needed to prove the business value of its SBTi certification to skeptical leaders within the business. Through research with 500 IT purchasers and 500 consumers, we quantified that SBTi certification delivers measurable revenue benefits—and the value more than doubled over the following two years.
What's the business value of certified science-based targets?
SBTi certification creates measurable revenue benefits that increase over time.
Value more than doubled in two years.
