Nature Ambition Accelerator
Driving corporate readiness to set science-based targets for nature.
In partnership with
The UN Global Compact Network UK offers a Nature Ambition Accelerator, in collaboration with Ramboll UK, to help companies build internal expertise on the SBTN methods and improve their readiness to set science-based targets for nature.
Companies are facing increased pressure to address and report their impacts on nature, driven by regulations such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the rapid uptake of voluntary Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) across the private sector, and a growing awareness that finite natural resources are being depleted – posing a series of operational and financial risks to businesses.
Established in 2019, the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) provides a 5-step methodology which clearly defines how companies can identify and set targets to address their material impacts on nature, complementing the SBTi’s guidance for setting science-based targets for net zero. SBTN’s prescriptive, location-specific, and science-based approach has rendered it a best-in-class framework for measuring and managing a company’s impacts on nature, with adoption of the methods now widely seen as a crucial step to devising a credible nature strategy and building long-term operational resilience.
ABOUT THE NATURE AMBITION ACCELERATOR – WHY JOIN?
The Nature Ambition Accelerator is a 6-month capacity-building programme designed in collaboration with Ramboll UK to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to increase their company’s readiness to set science-based targets for nature in line with the SBTN methodology.
PARTICIPANT BENEFITS
- Develop a strong understanding of the SBTN methods – including how to conduct a materiality assessment and set science-based targets for nature – through a guided learning journey delivered with hands-on support from industry experts.
- Gain practical experience applying the methods and using the tools recommended by the SBTN in a ‘test-and-learn’ forum designed to equip you with the skills needed for adoption. Participants will be guided through internal data collection processes and the use of proxy data where in-house nature data is not readily available.
- Be supported through the process of assessing your company’s current SBTN readiness levels, identifying where internal barriers to setting science-based targets for nature exist, and developing and actioning a roadmap to increase target-setting readiness.
- Become empowered to engage senior leaders on nature and secure buy-in for further action by leveraging insights generated from the programme.
- Connect with industry experts and learn how peers from various sectors are approaching adoption of the SBTN methodology and implementing solutions to make progress on target-setting.
- Prepare to submit your materiality assessment and/or targets for independent validation* (as desired).
COMPANY BENEFITS
- Uncover hidden risks using the SBTN’s rigorous, science-based methodology to identify nature impacts and dependencies which may have previously been overlooked in your operations or supply chain.
- Refine your business’ sustainability strategy by learning where to prioritise action to futureproof procurement, capital allocation, and other activities from risks identified.
- Improve regulatory readiness and public disclosures by using the data and analytical outputs generated from working through the SBTN methods to align with reporting frameworks such as CSRD, TNFD, GRI, and CDP. Companies can now get their materiality screening and value chain assessment – SBTN’s step 1 – independently validated*, enabling them to make credible public claims showcasing early, science-based progress on nature.
- Streamline coordination of stakeholder engagement activities by using the SBTN as a common language and standardised framework through which to engage suppliers and other key stakeholders in joint initiatives.
- Demonstrate sustainability leadership by being part of a cohort of early-moving businesses on SBTN. SBTN’s ‘Accelerated Pathways’ approach – which allows companies to narrow the scope of their initial target-setting to a business unit, environmental realm, or value chain segment – enables businesses to get started on the SBTN journey early and build maturity over time.
* Please note that validation for SBTN-aligned targets is undertaken independently by the Accountability Accelerator, and is required for making public claims (learn more here).
ENROLLING IN THE NATURE AMBITION ACCELERATOR – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INTERESTED IN JOINING?
Please note that applications for the 2026 cohort have now closed. To express your interest in joining our 2027 cohort, please email Iqra Amin, Project Manager – Environment.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE BEFORE COMMITTING?
Nature Ambition Accelerator Info Session
This information session provided an overview of our Nature Ambition Accelerator. Featuring guest speakers from SBTN and Ramboll, the session highlighted the business case for setting science-based targets for nature, how our Nature Ambition Accelerator will run (including key dates and the commitment required from participants), and the benefits of joining the programme. The session also included time for Q&A to answer questions from those interested in enrolling.
Corporate Experiences from Applying the Science Based Target Network’s Guidance for Setting Nature Targets
(UN Global Compact Network Finland)
This Accelerator builds on UN Global Compact Network Finland’s ‘Science Based Targets for Nature’ Accelerator, which has been running for over 2 years in collaboration with Ramboll Finland Oy. To learn more about Finnish companies’ experiences participating in the first cohort of the programme (from August 2023 – March 2024), access the summary report here.
Learn more about the Science Based Targets Network and why leading companies are choosing to set science-based targets for nature here.
For more information about the Nature Ambition Accelerator, please contact Iqra Amin, Project Manager – Environment.