Indian SBTi Science-Based Targets for Carbon Reduction — SBTi Net-Zero Standard + SDA + GHG Protocol

MEP Consultant · Carbon Targets · 12 May 2026

Indian SBTi Science-Based Targets for Carbon Reduction — SBTi Net-Zero Standard + SDA + GHG Protocol

Published: 07 May 2026Updated: 12 May 2026Original figures: 9

Indian SBTi target validation requires Scope 1+2 -42 % by 2030 + -90 % by 2050 + Scope 3 -25 % intensity + -90 % absolute. India 120 SBTi-committed (2024) → 500 (2030 target). MEP investment ₹185-2850 Cr per major corporation. SBTi Corporate Net-Zero + SDA + GHG Protocol + ISO 14064 + ISO 14068 + UNFCCC govern. Three failures: 1.5°C target without 2030 + 2050 dual-milestone, Scope 3 ignored (70-85 % MEP emissions), > 10 % carbon-offset reliance failing SBTi.

Indian SBTi science-based carbon targets framework

SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) — partnership CDP + UN Global Compact + WRI + WWF. SBTi validates corporate carbon targets aligned with 1.5°C Paris Agreement. India 100+ companies SBTi-committed (Mahindra + Tata + Infosys + Wipro + Reliance + Adani + Asian Paints + ITC + Larsen Toubro). Standards stack — SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2021 + 2024 update + SBTi Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach SDA + GHG Protocol + ISO 14064 + ISO 14068-1 (carbon neutrality) + PAS 2060 + UNFCCC + Race to Zero.

Indian large corporation SBTi target validation MEP scope

Target scope SBTi requirement MEP-relevant pathway Year + reduction
Scope 1 + 2 near-term (2030) 42 % absolute reduction MEP efficiency + RE 2030: -42%
Scope 1 + 2 long-term (2050) 90 % absolute reduction MEP electrification + RE 2050: -90%
Scope 3 near-term (2030) 25 % intensity reduction supply chain MEP 2030: -25% intensity
Scope 3 long-term (2050) 90 % absolute reduction full value-chain MEP 2050: -90%
Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach (SDA) — Buildings MEP retrofit + electrification
SDA — Power RE share + storage
SDA — Industry (Steel + Cement + Chemicals) heat-pump + CCS + H2
SDA — Transport EV + biofuel
Net-zero validated 2025+
Indian commitments — top 30 companies (2024)
Implementation programme cost ₹185-450 Cr per major company
Carbon credit + offset retired through Verra / Gold Standard
Annual progress reporting BRSR + CDP + TCFD
SBTi validation fee ₹5-15 lakh

Indian SBTi committed companies (cumulative, 2024)2018 (15)15companies2020 (35)35companies2022 (75)75companies2024 (120)120companies2027 target (250)250companies2030 (500 — top listed)500companiesSBTi-aligned MEP investment (₹ Cr) — by Indian corporate scaleMid-cap (₹5000 Cr rev)85₹ CrLarge (₹50000 Cr)485₹ CrTata Group1850₹ CrReliance2850₹ CrAdani2420₹ CrInfosys485₹ CrWipro420₹ Cr

Three Indian SBTi failures

  1. 1.5°C-aligned target without near-term milestone — SBTi requires 2030 + 2050 targets. Indian companies sometimes commit only to 2070 (India NDC date) — fails SBTi validation. Specify 2030 + 2050 dual-milestone per SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard.
  2. Scope 3 ignored (most material for MEP service-providers) — for MEP consultancies + EPC + manufacturers, Scope 3 is 70-85 % of total emissions. Indian companies skip + face SBTi rejection.
  3. Carbon offsets > 10 % of target — SBTi disallows — SBTi limits offsets to 10 % residual emissions in net-zero year. Indian companies sometimes plan 30-50 % offset reliance — fails SBTi.
// References + Standards
  1. SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2021 + 2024 update.
  2. SBTi Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach SDA 2024.
  3. GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting + Reporting Standard 2024 + Scope 3.
  4. ISO 14064-1/2/3:2019 — GHG Quantification + Reporting.
  5. ISO 14068-1:2023 — Carbon Neutrality.
  6. PAS 2060:2014 — Carbon Neutrality.
  7. UNFCCC + Paris Agreement + Race to Zero.
  8. CDP Climate Disclosure 2024.
By MEPVAULT Editorial Team — A team of practising MEP consultants based in India. ISHRAE-affiliated; FSAI-aligned.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top