Science-Based Targets: A Game Changer for CEE Businesses on the Net-Zero Journey

Driving the Net-Zero Economy: Insights from OurScience-Based Targets initiative Webinar for the CEE Region

In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, companies must take bold action to stay competitive and aligned with global sustainability goals. Last week, our insightful webinar, “Leading the Net-Zero Economy in the CEE Region: SBTi in Practice,” brought together industry experts and business leaders to explore how science-based targets (SBTs) are transforming the way companies in Central andEastern Europe (CEE) approach sustainability.

From the fundamentals of the Science-Based Targets initiative to real-world successstories, here’s everything you need to know about what we learned—and how it can help your business on its net-zero journey.

Why Science-Based Targets Matter

Science-based targets provide a framework for companies to align their operations with the 1.5°C pathway outlined in the Paris Agreement. But why are they critical for businesses?

• Environmental Responsibility: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential for mitigating climate change.
• Regulatory Alignment: Frameworks like the CSRD and CSDDD emphasize the need for transparent, accountable sustainability practices.
• Competitive Advantage: Companies with robust climate strategies are more appealing to investors, customers, and stakeholders.

Science-based targets go beyond ticking the compliance box—they’re a critical framework for mitigating climate risks and creating long-term value.

Kim Schoppink, Regional Lead for Europe at SBTi, emphasized this point during her presentation:

"Despite setbackslike the US stepping away from the Paris Agreement, we’re seeing growth in science-based target adoption in Europe and Asia. Businesses understand thatglobal investors and customers care, and SBTi is here to support them on their journey."

This growing momentum underscores a key message: sustainability is now a business necessity. Companies that act decisively can secure their position as market leaders whilebuilding resilience against climate-related risks.

KeyTakeaways from the Webinar

1. The SBTi Framework: How It Works

Kim Schoppink and Maria de la Roya broke down the fundamentals of SBTi, highlighting the two key target types:

• Near-Term Targets: Immediate goals for emissions reductions over 5–10 years.
• Net-Zero Targets: Long-term commitments to reduce emissions by at least 90% by 2050, with only limited reliance on offsets.

Maria shared insights on the streamlined validation process for smalland medium enterprises (SMEs), emphasizing that no company is too small to take meaningful action.

2.Real-World Success Stories

Our panellists shared inspiring stories about implementing SBTs in the CEE region:

• Partner in Pet Food (PPF): Márta Záhorski described PPF’s three-year journey with SBTi, focusing on reducing Scope 3 emissions by  optimizing supply chains and shifting to recyclable packaging.
• Telecommunications Industry: Dr. Levente Horváth discussed his experience introducing SBTi at a major telecommunications company, underscoring the importance of stakeholder engagement and internal collaboration.

3. The Roleof Digitalization in Achieving SBTs

Róbert Szűcs-Winkler, CEO of denxpert, explored how digital tools simplify sustainability reporting. He highlighted how platforms like denxpert help businesses:

• Collect and centralize data for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
• Align reporting with CSRD and SBTi frameworks.
• Visualize progress through interactive dashboards for informed decision-making.

As Róbert noted:
"Digitalization is not just a tool—it’s the backbone of effectivesustainability management."

Practical Steps to Start Your SBT Journey

The path to setting and achieving science-based targets might seemdaunting, but our webinar offered actionable guidance:

1️. Assess Your Emissions: Map your Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissionsto identify key areas of impact.
2️.  Set Ambitious Goals: Define near-termand long-term targets aligned with the SBTi framework.
3️.  Engage Stakeholders: Fostercollaboration across departments and with suppliers to ensure alignment.
4️.  Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to streamline data collection, reporting, and progress tracking.

Why Now Isthe Time to Act

The climate crisis waits for no one, and neither do regulatory deadlineslike the CSRD. Companies that start their SBTi journey today will be better positioned to navigate emerging challenges and seize opportunities in the green economy.

Márta Zicsenkó-Záhorszki, Head ofSustainability at Partner in Pet Food, drove this home with a powerful reminder:

"If the US isn’t taking responsibility, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. Each of us has the duty to dowhat we can with the resources we have. Progress doesn’t stop—we must maximize our efforts and move forward."

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking to set ambitious climate goals or refine your existing targets, SBTi provides a proven pathway to success. Coupled with tools like denxpert, you canconfidently navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting and drivereal, measurable change.

Missed the webinar? You can watch it on-demand to explore the strategies, challenges, and solutions discussed. Let’s turn insights into action—your net-zero journey starts now.

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