About This Webinar
This is the fourth masterclass in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass Series, providing a practical look at how companies set emissions reduction targets, align them with the Science Based Targets initiative, and communicate results to external stakeholders. It covers absolute and intensity-based targets, fixed versus rolling base years, net zero, SBTi validation criteria, and core disclosure requirements for sustainability reporting. Real-world examples throughout, including Coca-Cola and Ørsted, show how these concepts apply in practice.
Summary
This is the fourth masterclass in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass Series. It builds on the calculation methods and inventory documentation covered in the third session by showing how companies turn a completed GHG inventory into meaningful reduction targets, and how they communicate emissions performance to stakeholders.
It focuses on applied learning, using real-world examples to show how to choose between absolute and intensity-based targets, align with the Science Based Targets initiative, and structure external disclosures.
You will learn how to:
◆ Explain why companies set GHG reduction targets
◆ Distinguish absolute from intensity-based targets, and their trade-offs
◆ Choose between a fixed and a rolling base year
◆ Connect GHG reporting to wider sustainability strategy
◆ Recognise how GHG reporting touches energy, water, waste, logistics, finance, and governance
◆ Understand what a net zero target requires
◆ Apply the SBTi framework and its validation criteria
◆ Identify core and optional disclosures for external GHG reporting
Learning Outcomes
By completing this masterclass, you will build practical capability in setting credible, science-aligned emissions targets and communicating GHG performance clearly to external stakeholders.
1. Setting and Framing Targets
◆ Distinguish absolute targets, which set a fixed reduction goal in tonnes of CO₂e, from intensity-based targets, which measure emissions relative to a business metric such as revenue or production
◆ Compare a fixed base year, which is simple and transparent, with a rolling base year, which smooths anomalies but reduces long-term comparability
◆ Understand what a net zero target requires: 90–95% emissions reduction across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, plus permanent carbon removals for the remainder
◆ Review how Coca-Cola combines an absolute target across Scope 1, 2 and 3 with an intensity target per litre of product
2. Aligning with Science-Based Targets
◆ Apply the SBTi framework and understand its role in validating 1.5°C-aligned targets
◆ Apply SBTi's core validation criteria, including Scope 1/2 coverage, near-term and long-term pathways, and Scope 3 thresholds
◆ Weigh the benefits of SBTi alignment (credibility, investor confidence, capital allocation) against its challenges (board commitment, resource intensity, capital investment)
◆ Review how Ørsted has aligned its 2040 net-zero value chain target with SBTi validation
3. Integrating Strategy and External Communication
◆ Connect GHG reporting to wider sustainability strategy, including target-setting, hotspot identification, progress tracking, and investment decisions
◆ Recognise how GHG reporting interacts with energy, water, waste, logistics, finance, and governance
◆ Identify the core and optional disclosures expected in external GHG reporting, including emissions by scope, methodology, base year policy, targets, and verification
Applying This to Your Organisation
◆ Consider which target type, base year, and SBTi pathway fit your organisation
◆ Consider how to structure disclosures for clarity and comparability
Format
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass 4: Setting Targets and External Communication is a single recorded session, approximately 1 hour in duration, and can be completed at your own pace. It is the fourth session in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass Series.
Topics covered include:
Absolute and intensity-based targets
Fixed and rolling base years
Net zero targets
The Science Based Targets initiative, its criteria, benefits, and challenges
Reporting formats and core disclosure requirements for external communication
Who This Is For
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard Masterclass 4: Setting Targets and External Communication is designed for professionals involved in emissions accounting, sustainability reporting, and corporate decision-making, including those in leadership and management roles:
◆ Sustainability and ESG professionals
◆ Sustainability consultants and advisors
◆ Finance and accounting professionals
◆ Risk and compliance professionals
◆ Corporate strategy and governance professionals
◆ Internal and external auditors
