Absolute Targets
- Definition: Absolute targets set a specific reduction in the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a certain date.
- Example: Reducing total GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to a base year (e.g. 2020).
- Impact: These targets are straightforward and measure the overall reduction in emissions, regardless of the company's growth or changes in output.
Intensity Targets
- Definition: Intensity targets set a reduction in the amount of GHG emissions per unit of economic output (e.g. per unit of product produced, per dollar of revenue, and per employee).
- Example: Reducing GHG emissions per unit of product by 40% by 2030 compared to a base year (e.g. 2020).
- Impact: These targets allow for the consideration of business growth or changes in production volume. Emissions can decrease on a per-unit basis even if total emissions increase due to overall growth.