The new SBTi Services Validation Portal has launched

This next-generation release digitizes the science-based target submission journey for corporates—from registration and commitment, to submission and validation—replacing spreadsheet-based submissions with a streamlined, user-friendly interface that guides companies and consultants through each step of the process. 

The upgraded Portal was shaped not just by technical ambition, but by real user needs. Through extensive consultation and pilot testing, companies shared specific feedback—from a desire for more intuitive navigation and clearer progress indicators, to the need for better data validation and real-time support. Each of these inputs informed the upgrade design. The result is a smarter, more responsive platform built to help companies move faster, collaborate more easily, and meet science-based target requirements with greater clarity and confidence.

A Smarter, More Efficient Submission Experience

The upgraded Portal offers a more intuitive and reliable user experience. Companies now benefit from:

• A step-by-step digital submission format that simplifies the process and minimizes errors. Automated checks flag data issues before submission helping companies to address gaps on their own timeline rather than under pressure during validation review.
• Flexible navigation, allowing users to move between tabs, flag questions to revisit later, and save their progress without needing to complete sections in strict order. Clear progress indicators and built-in explanations help teams know exactly where they stand and what actions are needed.
• Full ownership and control over submissions and accounts, enabling businesses to update information directly within the platform. Consultants and internal team members can collaborate more effectively thanks to multi-user access and shared dashboards, helping teams stay aligned and informed.
• A structured 30-day validation timeline that provides clarity on expectations and interactions with the SBTi Services team, improving predictability and planning.

What This Means for Your Company

Ahead of the upgrade, the Validation Portal was temporarily taken offline from June 16–17, 2025 to allow for final integration. Companies were given the option to submit before the transition using the previous format or wait to use the new platform.

Now that the new system is live, companies that have not yet submitted their targets for validation must do so using the new digital interface. Spreadsheet-based submission forms are no longer accepted. While the data requirements remain unchanged, the new system involves a more structured and detailed submission process, which may take more time to complete initially but will save time during the validation process itself. We encourage users to consult the Corporate Submission Manual to understand the process and prepare accordingly.

If your company submitted a form prior to the portal upgrade, no action is required—your validation is proceeding as planned. While some submitted forms may no longer appear on your Portal homepage, or may not be editable, they are still under active review. Final decisions and supporting documentation will be shared via email and will also appear in the updated Portal view once targets are published.

Small Changes for SMEs and Financial Institutions

While the upgrade was primarily focused on corporate users, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and financial institutions (FIs) also benefit from targeted improvements:

• SMEs are now asked two brief additional questions during submission to ensure they are on the correct validation pathway—improving efficiency and reducing the risk of missteps
• FIs now enter key data points (such as base and target years) that are reflected on the SBTi Target Dashboard, enhancing accuracy, transparency, and control over published information

Resources and Support

To support companies through this transition and beyond, SBTi Services has developed a comprehensive suite of resources—shaped by input from pilot participants—to provide practical guidance, reduce confusion, and make the new Portal as user-friendly as possible:

• An introductory blog outlining the key changes and the benefits to your business
• FAQs addressing common questions, updated regularly as more information becomes available
• A summary overview of the Corporate Submission Manual, offering a top-line overview of requirements
• A detailed Corporate Submission Manual, for step-by-step guidance on your submission
• A Validation Portal tutorial video, walking through the portal’s key features
• A Corporate Submission Journey tutorial video, demonstrating the new end-to-end submission process for corporates.

Looking Ahead

This upgrade marks a key milestone in SBTi Services’ ongoing mission to scale science-based target validation with greater speed, clarity, and impact. Further enhancements are already in development, including new features such as in-portal communication between companies and reviewers.

By digitizing the full corporate validation journey and responding to user feedback, SBTi Services is enabling more companies to set and validate ambitious climate goals—supporting the global transition to a net-zero economy.

Ready to submit or get started? Visit the SBTi Services to learn more and begin your journey. 

If you have questions or need support, contact us via the Validation Portal or info@sciencebasedtargets.org.