Senior Consultant Liath Campbell among the first to undertake the SBTi Professional Certification
During August and September 2025, an early cohort completed the SBTi Professional Certification. This qualification demonstrates that they have the required knowledge and understanding of the standards laid out by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Among the qualifying experts was Liath Campbell, Senior Consultant at Verco. We spoke to Liath about her experience. You can read our conversation below:
Tell us a bit more about the SBTi’s training and certification programme
To develop and demonstrate the required knowledge and understanding of SBTi standards which enable successful global uptake, the SBTi has developed a new training and certification program [1] with 3 hubs for various levels:
- SBTi Onboarding Hub
SBTi Practitioner’s Hub
SBTi Services Certification Hub
The Certification Hub program (the one I undertook) is designed for those with existing expertise in setting Science Based Targets (SBTs).
Why did you choose to become an SBTi Certified Expert?
Becoming an SBTi Certified Expert gives me the chance to demonstrate the SBTi knowledge I have gained at Verco.
GHG accounting, despite extensive guidance in the GHG Protocol, remains an exercise often plagued by grey areas and non-trivial details. Similarly, no two companies are the same, so applying the SBTi guidance and target setting frameworks is often a nuanced affair. Companies need an accurate and representative understanding of their baseline emissions to set meaningful science-based targets for ambitious climate action.
It is impossible to have a one-size-fits-all net-zero target setting framework. This is because the spheres of influence and opportunities available differ so vastly for different companies. However, the SBTi is by far the best current framework; with worldwide recognition, guidance for various sectors and clear minimum ambition requirements that reflect the scale of the challenge and avoid greenwashing commitments.
Becoming an SBTi Certified Expert is a great way of proving competence. The Certified Experts Register [2] gives companies looking for help setting targets confidence that you can help them achieve robust and successful target submissions.
What does the SBTi Certification involve?
The SBTi Certification thoroughly examines the entire process, from first understanding a company's GHG inventory to what happens after submission to the SBTi. The seven sections are:
- GHG inventory creation
- Selecting the right guidance
- Identifying target types
- Modeling targets
- Completing submission question
- Answering validation questions
- Post-validation requirements
Personally, I find this structure very well thought out as it takes you, in order, through all the essential steps involved in setting and getting an approved SBT.
The assessment consists mainly of multiple-choice questions and some calculations. The questions focus on understanding the more obscure elements of GHG accounting and SBTi guidance, and testing application of the guidance using example companies in case studies. These questions are less black and white and test the ability to identify best practice recommendations vs the minimum requirements companies must meet.
In addition to the seven assessments, the Certification Hub provides training materials which highlight key areas where SBTi have witnessed errors or misinterpretations in previous submissions. This was very valuable insight for consultants and made me more confident in difficult-to-define areas.
What does the SBTi Certification mean for the future?
Incentive to get involved: With the launch of SBTi’s training and professional certification, this is a great opportunity for upskilling or certifying for anyone involved in setting science-based targets either for their own company or others. [3]
Future SBTi updates: This program focuses on the current Corporate Net-Zero Standard V1.2, with essential understanding of the requirements for Power, FLAG and Buildings. We look forward to future add-on qualifications specialising in specific sector guidance.
Similarly, the Corporate Net-Zero Standard is currently under review. A launch date of the V2 is estimated for Q1 2026. A public consultation and pilot phase was carried out earlier this year so we are looking forward to hearing the results of this and how the updated version will address this increasingly complex landscape. [4]
How can Verco help with setting Science Based Targets?
Various experts at Verco can support you with setting SBTs. We have experience in a range of sectors including corporates, house builders, financial institutions and asset managers. We can help with all stages of target setting, whether that means refreshing a previous target, updating footprints and confirming the validity of current targets or calculating a full GHG inventory and starting the target process for the first time. You can find out more about these services by clicking the button below.
References
[1] SBTi Academy - Science Based Targets Initiative
[2] Professional certification - Learning Managment System
[3] SBTi Academy - Science Based Targets Initiative
[4] Developing the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2 - Science Based Targets Initiative