At COP16, three pioneering corporations—Kering, GSK, and Holcim—became the first to announce science-based nature targets through the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN). With commitments focused on freshwater and land, these companies are stepping up to address critical biodiversity loss and environmental impacts.
Why science-based targets are vital for nature
As the loss of biodiversity accelerates to critical levels, companies must urgently assess and reduce their environmental impact. Corporate influence extends beyond climate change, affecting biodiversity, water resources, and ecosystem integrity.
These science-based targets offer a comprehensive framework that enables companies to protect and restore the environment while also reducing emissions. The commitments from GSK, Kering, and Holcim set a significant precedent, demonstrating that protecting nature can become a standard in corporate responsibility.
A closer look at Kering’s targets
As the first in the fashion industry to adopt both land and freshwater targets for nature, Kering has set ambitious goals. By 2030, Kering aims to reduce freshwater withdrawal by 21% in Tuscany’s Arno basin and ensure that 100% of its leather sourcing comes from no-deforestation and conversion-free areas by 2027.
Additionally, the company is committed to reducing its agricultural land footprint by 3% from 2022 levels, while supporting ecological and social projects in Mongolia, India, and South Africa.
GSK and Holcim’s freshwater commitments
Pharmaceutical giant GSK and building materials producer Holcim are addressing freshwater usage as part of their nature targets. GSK has pledged to fully eliminate freshwater withdrawals from its direct operations in India’s Upper Godavari basin by 2030.
Holcim, focusing on the Moctezuma basin in Mexico, has committed to a 39% reduction in freshwater withdrawal by 2030. These commitments represent significant steps in managing corporate freshwater use.
A snapshot of the 5-step process to set and achieve science-based targets for nature. Image credit: Corporate Manual: Science-based Targets for Nature
The path forward for SBTN and future corporate targets
With over 150 companies preparing to set science-based nature targets, SBTN continues to refine its methods. After piloting the approach with 17 companies, SBTN updated its target validation methods to streamline the process for wider adoption.
By 2025, the next generation of SBTN targets will address broader biodiversity concerns and introduce the first ocean targets for businesses, along with initial guidance for cities. Through this expansion, SBTN aims to drive actionable, science-backed progress across multiple sectors.
One Earth’s support of science-based standards for nature
As part of the effort to develop rigorous and effective standards, One Earth’s Co-founder and Deputy Director, Karl Burkart, served as a technical reviewer in creating the SBTN framework. His expertise helped ensure that these science-based nature targets are both achievable and impactful, supporting companies in committing to measurable, science-backed goals for protecting ecosystems.
A milestone for corporate accountability and environmental stewardship
The commitments by Kering, GSK, and Holcim represent a major leap in aligning corporate goals with ecological stewardship. As more corporations follow suit, the path to sustainable business practices becomes clearer, offering hope for reversing biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems worldwide.
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