The Heist

As promised yesterday, by the end of this email you’ll have a quick and rough framework for setting a meaningful climate action target, that should be achievable in the next few years (ideally before 2030).

Below is the framework used by the Science Based Targets initiative, which we’ll be stealing from… first a quick disclaimer: We’re not setting anything scientific here, like they would – this is intended to be a quick guide that will help you build a DIY, version 0.1, home-grown climate action plan that will kickstart meaningful impact.

If you’re ready for a grown-up version 1.0, get started with the SBTi process and become recognised as one of their “committed” companies (I get no kickback for saying this!).

Their process is very comprehensive. You’ll end up with correctly measured numbers for your emissions and targets, and it’ll likely take some time to go right through it (in my opinion, totally worth it). If that’s the stage you’re at, then go for it – you’re probably beyond the list below.

Otherwise, let’s steal. Here’s SBTi’s 5-step process:

1. Commit: Submit a letter establishing your intent to set a science-based target
2. Develop: Work on an emissions reduction target in line with the SBTi’s criteria
3. Submit: Present your target to the SBTi for official validation
4. Communicate: Announce your target and inform your stakeholders
5. Disclose: Report company-wide emissions and progress against targets on an annual basis

How we’ll modify it for quick results:

1. Commit: Draft a page on your website called “Our Impact”. Keep it in draft if you like, but commit to a publish date.
2. Develop: Add 3 headings, one for each area you intend on reducing your negative impact, even if you don’t know how yet. Eg: switching energy providers, buying EVs, installing solar, committing to refurb-only tech, moving to all-Aussie suppliers – your choice. Pick just 3. If you have a plan, or you’re already making progress on an area, write it up in a paragraph or two. If there’s no plan or progress yet, write your intention to make a plan in a paragraph or two. Nothing formal, just like you’d say it to the last friend you texted.
3. Submit: (Send to a friend to review if you like, but very optional – just skip this if you suspect you’re procrastinating).
4. Communicate: Publish the page.
5. Disclose: Set a calendar reminder to review this page quarterly or annually, and make any updates on progress.

All the steps might happen in a day, or they may take 3 weeks. But intentionally keep it to just 3 things at the start and build on them.

Why 3? Because 3 is easy – there are at least 3 things most businesses can commit to with or without a plan (running list here).

Plus, you’re off the hook for posting on social if that’s not comfortable. Don’t worry about bragging for now – the big step is going public.

Once you start, the updates get easier.