GSK, Holcim, and Kering Lead the Way with First Science-Based Nature Targets at COP16

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) announced a breakthrough at COP16, where leading global companies GSK, Holcim, and Kering became the first to publicly adopt science-based targets for nature. This milestone, set to drive measurable corporate action on freshwater and land conservation, is the outcome of SBTN’s year-long corporate pilot program.

With the focus on addressing key environmental drivers, these pioneering companies are setting a precedent for others to follow, aligning business practices with urgent goals to halt biodiversity loss.

How SBTN’s Nature Targets Are Shaping Corporate Sustainability

SBTN, a coalition under the Global Commons Alliance, has been instrumental in equipping companies with actionable, science-driven frameworks for environmental impact. Building on its year-long corporate pilot program, SBTN unveiled these targets to help companies address core drivers of nature loss.

Through measurable goals, SBTN aims to create a unified approach for businesses to protect ecosystems like freshwater basins and biodiverse land. The program’s success is evident, with over 60% of participating companies achieving validation on their targets.

Now, the targets adopted by Kering, GSK, and Holcim set a new standard for responsible corporate stewardship.

Leading Corporations Committed to Freshwater and Land Targets

Global companies in diverse sectors are prioritizing science-based targets for nature to mitigate environmental impacts. The recently validated targets focus on land and freshwater—the two ecosystems where urgent action is essential.

Each of these companies brings a unique approach to these goals:

• GSK: With a firm goal of achieving water neutrality in stressed areas by 2030, the biopharma giant focuses on the Upper Godavari basin in India. GSK’s science-based target for nature centers around freshwater use reduction at its Nashik manufacturing site, incorporating local stakeholder collaboration to address shared water challenges. This comprehensive approach is a model for industries to integrate nature-focused strategies that support ecosystem resilience.

“Climate change and nature loss are an urgent threat to human health. At GSK, we are getting ahead of disease by taking action on both climate and nature across our value chain. As a global biopharma company with science at its core, we recognize the importance of taking a science-based approach to nature,” said Claire Lund, VP of Environmental Sustainability at GSK.

• Holcim: As a major player in building materials, Holcim aims to reduce its freshwater withdrawals by 39% in Mexico’s Moctezuma basin by 2030. Holcim’s extensive supplier traceability program highlights the importance of granular water data to refine corporate targets and ensure long-term impact. The company’s active role in SBTN’s pilot program demonstrates a proactive strategy that aligns with global environmental demands.

“At Holcim, nature matters. That’s why we are working to ensure our nature targets are backed by science. As a first-mover company that participated in SBTN’s pilot program, Holcim is now equipped with a gold standard approach to comprehensively assess our biggest impacts on nature, measure those impacts accurately, and set targets to address key drivers of nature loss,” said Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer at Holcim.

• Kering: The luxury group has set groundbreaking freshwater quantity targets, focusing on the Arno basin in Italy. Kering is tackling ecosystem degradation by targeting a reduction in freshwater usage and protecting natural ecosystems across its operations and supply chains. Their strategy includes promoting regenerative agriculture, reducing land footprints, and eliminating ecosystem conversion. This commitment reflects Kering’s alignment with SBTN’s requirements, creating a benchmark for companies in fashion and beyond.

“Setting and adopting science-based targets for nature was the next necessary step to complement and enhance Kering’s long-standing efforts to protect and restore biodiversity. Land and water are critically interlinked, and we are proud to be the first company in the fashion industry—and across all sectors globally—to adopt both land and freshwater science-based targets for nature,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer at Kering.

Why Science-Based Targets for Nature Matter

The adoption of science-based targets for nature is an essential response to the escalating crisis of biodiversity loss. These targets empower companies to make scientifically informed decisions that directly address the factors driving nature loss.

Designed to align with the Global Biodiversity Framework, these targets ensure companies focus on critical areas like water stress, habitat conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

Incorporating science-based targets for nature also provides a practical pathway for businesses to safeguard biodiversity while driving competitive advantage. As the climate and nature crises converge, having robust nature-focused strategies helps companies manage risks and prepare for future regulatory shifts. This proactive approach offers corporations a way to protect vital ecosystems and meet stakeholder expectations.

The Future of Corporate Accountability in Nature Conservation

Momentum for science-based targets for nature is growing as more companies recognize the economic and ethical imperatives of preserving ecosystems. Following the success of its pilot, SBTN is expanding its validation services, with 150 companies now preparing to adopt similar targets.

SBTN’s Accountability Accelerator, expected to launch by the end of 2024, will ensure the credibility of these targets through a rigorous validation process. Additionally, SBTN plans to expand its focus areas by 2025 to include ocean targets and urban guidelines, reflecting the widespread impact of corporate activities on natural systems.

The leadership of companies like Kering, GSK, and Holcim in adopting science-based targets for nature signals a paradigm shift. By setting measurable, actionable goals to conserve freshwater and land, these corporations underscore that urgent action can—and must—be taken to halt biodiversity loss.

For more details on the SBTN announcement and the companies' commitments, you can find the full press release here.

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