Setting Science-Based Emissions Targets: 5 Companies Offer Lessons for Success

The briefing outlines six key drivers for companies successfully adopting science-based emissions targets: a history of meeting previous goals, a strong business case, alignment with climate science, company-wide employee engagement, stakeholder demand for sustainability, and business-specific strategies. Examples include Pfizer's energy projects saving $150 million annually and Coca-Cola Enterprises exceeding its 2011 emissions reduction target.

• Companies that successfully set science-based targets typically have a history of meeting or exceeding previous ambitious goals, which provides the confidence to pursue 'stretch' targets. For instance, Coca-Cola Enterprises reduced absolute emissions by 29 percent over three years, nearly doubling its 2011 target of 15 percent, and International Post Corporation met its 2020 goal of a 20 percent emissions reduction six years early.
• A compelling business case, where medium-term competitive advantages and energy savings outweigh short-term costs, drives emissions reductions. Pfizer has implemented approximately 3,300 energy projects since 2000, resulting in annual savings of roughly $150 million and a reduction of approximately 814,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
• Science-based targets provide a credible, external point of reference that replaces arbitrary 'round figure' goals, fostering internal commitment and stakeholder confidence. Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company has pledged to reduce absolute emissions across its operations and value chain by 25 percent by 2020, using a target approved by external experts.
• Successful implementation requires company-wide participation, combining a dedicated sustainability team, executive support, and cross-disciplinary staff. Pfizer utilized experts from global engineering, environmental law, and environmental health and safety groups, while Coca-Cola Enterprises established sustainability working groups in areas like packaging and transportation.
• External pressure from customers and investors motivates companies to reduce their carbon footprints. Thalys reported that nine out of 10 customers believe sustainability matters, and NRG Energy invests in renewables to remain a reliable supplier for conscientious customers and cautious investors.
• Effective emissions strategies are tailored to specific business challenges. NRG Energy uses a long-term approach (30-40 years) to manage the attrition of coal power plants while investing in wind and solar energy. Thalys reduced emissions from on-board catering by half between 2008 and 2016 by sourcing more local, organic produce and reducing red meat.

APA

Longendyke, L. (2016). Setting Science-Based Emissions Targets: 5 Companies Offer Lessons for Success. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/insights/setting-science-based-emissions-targets-5-companies-offer-lessons-success

Chicago

Longendyke, Lindsey. Setting Science-Based Emissions Targets: 5 Companies Offer Lessons for Success. World Resources Institute, 2016. https://www.wri.org/insights/setting-science-based-emissions-targets-5-companies-offer-lessons-success.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Longendyke |first1=Lindsey |title=Setting Science-Based Emissions Targets: 5 Companies Offer Lessons for Success |publisher=World Resources Institute |date=6 May 2016 |url=https://www.wri.org/insights/setting-science-based-emissions-targets-5-companies-offer-lessons-success |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{longendyke2016setting, author = {Longendyke, Lindsey}, title = {{Setting Science-Based Emissions Targets: 5 Companies Offer Lessons for Success}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2016}, month = may, url = {https://www.wri.org/insights/setting-science-based-emissions-targets-5-companies-offer-lessons-success}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }