Climate change and sustainability services

Net zero consultancy

Net zero & science based targets

The need for every business to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is becoming ever more apparent — and achieving the Paris Agreement commitments means setting net zero targets. Grain can support you by:

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What is net zero?

Net zero refers to a future state in which emissions have been reduced to the minimum possible, before any methods to absorb carbon dioxide (like offsetting) are implemented.

Grain can support your business in the transition to net zero emissions by measuring your footprint and then creating a plan based on achievable targets to reduce your scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

What are SBTs?

Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Meeting the 2050 target would involve a reduction of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 45% from 2010 levels, with any remaining emissions neutralised by removing CO₂.

Over 4,600 companies worldwide are taking action through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which provides a clearly-defined pathway for emissions reduction commitments that align with the latest climate science. As well as future-proofing your business, an SBT target will increase competitiveness and solidify your sustainability commitments.

The SBTi encourages companies from all sectors and sizes to commit to setting a science-based target. They are especially keen to see those companies in the highest-emitting sectors set science-based targets given the crucial role they will play in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

How to set a science based target?

Setting a science-based target is a five-step process:

  • Commit: submit a letter establishing your intent to set a science-based target
  • Develop: work on an emissions reduction target in line with the SBTi’s criteria
  • Submit: present your target to the SBTi for official validation
  • Communicate: announce your target and inform your stakeholders
  • Disclose: report company-wide emissions and track target progress annually


The SBTi has developed a streamlined approach for SMEs which involves setting near-term and net zero targets. The near-term target must be set before the net zero target may be submitted. To qualify as an SME, a business must be a non-subsidiary, independent company with fewer than 500 employees.

When should I set a target?

The answer is now. Setting a net zero target aligned to SBTi should improve business competitiveness and provide an opportunity for future-proofed business growth, while your company helps mitigate climate change. 

Grain would be delighted to help you through the process: committing to a target, developing your emissions reduction action plan, submitting it for official validation, communicating it, and disclosing necessary information, then tracking progress through annual reporting.

Why choose Grain?

To continually improve our services, we engage a third-party consultant to interview our clients. Here’s what they say.

Carbon footprinting work

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Bio Capital

Bio Capital is the largest biogas producer in the UK by MWh, currently operating a portfolio of 11 anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities nationwide. The AD

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AD Branded Solutions

AD Branded Solutions is based in Manchester, UK and provides branded merchandise and promotional products. The company has implemented various sustainability initiatives and certifications. These

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GL Education

GL Education is an assessment provider working with schools in the UK and internationally. The organisation focuses on ‘improving student outcomes through better assessment’ and

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Pegasus Group

Integrating sustainability into a planning and development consultancy