Bord Bia hosted the first in a series of five webinars designed to enable large scale Origin Green member companies to accelerate the development and implementation of ambitious and data-driven Science Based Targets (SBTs). Science Based Targets are fast becoming the “quality label” of climate action and are critical for Irish food, drink, and horticulture companies to demonstrate credibility to their customers, investors, employees, and regulators. However, the process for setting SBTs can be complex, and delivery on them can be challenging for teams with limited capacity. The methodologies, standards, and solutions for setting and delivering on SBTs are evolving and will require frequent review by Origin Green member companies.
The inaugural session offered an introduction to Science Based Targets for company CEOs and leadership teams.
We heard from Deirdre Ryan, Director of Origin Green at Bord Bia, about how maintaining Ireland’s international reputation for sustainable production and improving the environmental impact of our food production methods must continue to be evidence-based. Science Based Targets are critical for Irish food, drink, and horticulture companies to demonstrate credibility to their customers, investors, employees, and regulators.
We then heard from Accenture’s Karen O’Regan about the growing business imperative to take urgent action on climate through setting SBTs, but also the opportunity this presents to build trust with the customer. Now is the time for bold action.
Accenture’s Carbon Intelligence Expert, Adrian Wain, then took us through the basis of SBTs: What is the SBTi? When is a target considered science-based? How do you set a SBT?
Finally, you told us that that the key barriers holding your company back from setting a SBT are cost, complexity and lack of knowledge.