Climate targets as a competitive advantage – The importance of science-based targets for Swiss companies (SBT)

The analysis shows that among roughly 270 Swiss companies committed to Science-Based Targets (SBTs), a large share is located in Zurich and consists mainly of large enterprises—particularly financial institutions—while SMEs remain underrepresented. Compared with the approximately 1,700 large firms based in Zurich, overall SBT adoption is still limited.

Participating companies reported several benefits from adopting SBTs, including stronger internal management commitment, a more sustainability-driven corporate culture, improved public reputation, and greater organizational resilience. Despite these advantages, implementation remains demanding. The most significant challenges stem from internal constraints such as limited financial and human resources, insufficient expertise, and complex organizational processes. Collecting data—especially for Scope 3 emissions—was cited as one of the most time-consuming tasks.

A robust and comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory emerged as a key success factor, enabling companies to assess and track progress accurately. To reduce emissions, firms primarily focused on energy-efficiency measures, electrifying vehicle fleets, and collaborating with supply chains on joint reduction initiatives.

Nearly all companies stated they would commit to SBTs again, underscoring perceived long-term benefits. However, the slow diffusion of SBTs in Switzerland can be attributed largely to the practical difficulties of implementation, especially for SMEs. To accelerate adoption, there is a clear need for supportive institutional frameworks, including simplified tools, sector-specific guidance, training, and targeted financial support that lower the barriers to setting and achieving science-based climate targets.

The study examines how the commitment to Science Based Targets (SBTs) affects various areas of a company – in particular reputation, stakeholder relations, employer attractiveness, risk management, and financial success. It also analyzes the role played by the industry and specific company characteristics such as size, available resources, and position in the supply chain in the successful implementation of SBTs. The study aimed to identify both cross-industry and industry-specific barriers to the implementation of SBTs, also looking at which areas companies need external support.

By combining qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey, the study generates in-depth insights into the requirements of companies that have already committed to science-based targets (SBTs) or would like to set SBTs in the future.

The qualitative interviews serve to explore and identify key issues, challenges, and support needs. The subsequent quantitative survey allows these findings to be validated, prioritized, and to investigate differences specific to industry and company size.