New training programme focuses on companies' impacts on nature

UN Global Compact Network Finland launches a new science-based nature targets training programme where participants familiarise themselves with the guidelines on science-based nature targets published by the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN).
RFI brand photoshoot in Espoo, Finland. A woman standing in a forest in front of a stream looking up in the sky in Nuuksio National Park, Finland.
A woman stands in a forest, looking up at the sky. The SBTN framework empowers companies to assess their environmental impacts and set ambitious sustainability targets.

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) framework, published in spring 2023, enables companies to assess their impacts on nature and set targets to mitigate them. Its purpose is to support the measures already taken by companies to slow down the climate and nature crises and respond to the need for more ambitious measures.

About the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN)

“The Science Based Targets Network is a civil-society and science-led initiative founded in 2019 by a group of global NGOs who have come together to help collectively define what is necessary for companies and cities to do “enough” to stay within Earth’s limits and meet society’s needs.”

“Our vision is a global economy in which companies and cities operate within environmental boundaries on a socially equitable basis through implementation of science-based targets that reduce and improve their impact on nature and society.” — Source: SBTN

The science-based nature targets training programme was developed by the UN Global Compact Network Finland in collaboration with Ramboll for an initial cohort of 15 Finnish companies. The first of its kind, the programme enables participants to familiarise themselves with the guidelines, methods, and tools published by the SBTN. The aim is to deepen collaborative learning and cooperation between companies.

Down-to-earth learning and information about companies’ nature impacts

The programme focuses on carrying out a comprehensive impact materiality assessment, enabling the participating companies to identify the nature pressures caused by their own operations as well as their supply chains. In addition, participants learn how companies can estimate the current state of nature in the geographic locations in which they and their suppliers operate, and how to set sufficiently ambitious goals to improve the state of nature in those locations.

Participants obtain practical information on how to identify nature impacts, how to prioritise geographic locations, and how to address challenges related to the framework. Company representatives meet face-to-face in workshops and study independently online, over a seven-month period.

Ramboll curated the course content alongside the UN Global Compact Network Finland, led the meetings and workshops, and supported participants in their learning.

Participating companies

First cohort (2023): Alko, Fazer, HKScan, Huhtamäki, Kemijoki, Kemira, KONE, Lidl, Lindström, Marimekko, Nokia, Skanska, St1 Nordic, Viking Malt Group and Ylva.

Second cohort (2024): Ahlstrom, Atria, Fingrid, Finnair, Fiskars Group, Grano, Konecranes, Neova, Olvi, Osuuskunta Tradeka, Outokumpu, Posti Group, PunaMusta Media, and Sponda.

“We received practical information on the implementation of the framework, and I was pleasantly surprised by how systematic and detailed the SBTN methodology is for assessing biodiversity impacts,”

Elina Heikinheimo
Sustainability Manager, Marimekko.

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