SBTi Faces Staff Revolt Over Carbon Credit Controversy

The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a key player in assessing corporate climate action, is facing backlash from its own staff for allowing businesses to use carbon credits to offset pollution from their value chains. This move has been criticized as 'greenwashing' and has triggered a staff revolt demanding a reversal of the decision and the resignation of the CEO and board.

SBTi, known for its partnership with the UN Global Compact and WWF, is considered the gold standard for evaluating the net zero plans of major corporations. The recent ruling permitting the use of carbon credits to offset Scope 3 emissions, which make up a significant portion of companies' carbon footprints, has raised concerns about the credibility of SBTi.

Experts warn that this decision could undermine corporate climate responsibility by allowing companies to pay for offsets instead of meeting their targets. The internal letter from SBTi staff highlights the lack of consultation, defiance of science, and potential harm to the organization's reputation.

The controversy has led to calls for transparency and adherence to governance procedures to prevent SBTi from becoming a platform for greenwashing. The decision to allow carbon credits has been described as a 'fundamental U-turn' on SBTi's previous policy and has already resulted in resignations from the technical advisory group.

With over 4,000 companies seeking verification of their net zero claims through SBTi, the credibility of the organization is at stake. Critics argue that the decision sends a troubling message that companies can simply buy their way to carbon neutrality without making real changes.

The controversy surrounding SBTi's decision to permit the use of carbon credits for offsetting emissions highlights the growing scrutiny on corporate climate action. As the debate continues, the future of SBTi's credibility and its role in promoting genuine sustainability practices remain uncertain.