Science Based Targets and division flight budgets

Avoid, reduce, then offset: with transparent GHG budgets

GIZ follows the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): by 2025, cut absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions 30% vs 2019 and scope 3 (travel, commuting, procurement) 10%. Mobility alone is ~80% of the footprint, a 25% mobility cut target drives fewer flights. Divisions adopt GHG budgets based on historical flight emissions and plan reductions themselves.

What you can do

• Any large employer: set division-level travel budgets and publish them internally, transparency beats top-down flight bans
• Civil-society coalitions: ask partner institutions whether they use SBTi-aligned targets before accepting sponsorship
• Commuters: push for cycling infrastructure and e-mobility charging: GIZ optimises bike facilities at German sites

How it works

Principle: Vermeiden vor Reduzieren vor Kompensieren (avoid before reduce before offset). Unavoidable emissions are offset via Gold Standard certificates, but reduction comes first.

Why it matters

Climate targets work when every team sees its own flight ledger.

Source & repost

Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it.

Source: GIZ: Nachhaltig handeln · Ökologische Aspekte · Sustainability Programme 2021–2025