Exploring Science-Based Targets: Initial Insights from Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Sammanfattning: With climate change resulting from a history of uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions, all parts of society now need to take action - maybe most importantly the private sector. Since 2015 the Science Based Targets (SBT) initiative has committed over 5000 companies worldwide to heavily reduce their total emissions at a pace that scientists deem necessary for average global temperature rise to stay below 2℃. However despite a growing engagement from small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), no research has yet investigated the experiences these small businesses have had with SBT - which this work aims to change with aid of the following research questions: What possibilities and challenges do small and medium sized enterprises experience in their work with Science Based Targets?, and, Are there any major problems with Science Based Targets that risk jeopardizing the initiatives aim in small and medium sized enterprises? By conducting semi-structured qualitative interviews with 13 Swedish SMEs and 3 experts, this report summarizes and analyzes the key areas that benefit or challenge SBTs. In summary, this study shows that the strength in SBT comes from its size and indirect ability to help companies work together with a specific common goal. A common challenge is an internal lack of specific knowledge typically regarding emission calculations and methods. Here SBT has been ambiguous and difficult to reach, resulting in a reliance on consultants as intermediaries. In order to effectivize this initiative, SBT needs to cater specifically to SMEs and further define their requirements - especially regarding scope 3 goals, relative measurements and corporate growth. I also recommend adjusting the simplifications made for SMEs as they do not reflect, but rather limit their high engagement. Hopefully this study opens up for further research on SMEs' role and work in the green transition.