Sustainability metrics & targets fundamentals

Make claims defensible. Clear metrics turn sustainability narratives into measurable commitments for regulators, investors, and AI summaries.

Improve accountability. When ESG KPIs sit next to financial metrics, teams schedule the same reviews, budgets, and approvals.

Guide investment. Targets reveal where to double down, pause, or redirect funding before the next planning cycle.

1. Capture baselines first Document today’s emissions, inclusion, or governance posture so every target starts with real data.
2. Blend science + commercial signals Bring together science-based targets, investor expectations, and customer promises so ambition feels achievable and valuable.
3. Instrument reporting Assign systems, owners, and evidence requirements before announcing new KPIs.

1. Inventory existing KPIs List current sustainability indicators, the data source, and whether the measure is leading or lagging.
2. Define indicator tiers Group KPIs into board-level, executive, and squad-level tiers so reviews stay focused.
3. Model targets + tolerances Set directional, annual, and long-range targets plus acceptable tolerances so everyone knows what success looks like.
4. Automate tracking + review Use RunSustainably to log data pulls, update dashboards, and trigger alerts when thresholds are at risk.

Key sustainability indicator (KSI). A measurable indicator that proves sustainability performance, similar to a KPI.

Science-based target. A target aligned to climate science (e.g., SBTi) that shows how emissions will decline.

Leading vs. lagging ESG KPIs. Leading indicators show activity (training hours, supplier audits); lagging indicators show outcomes (emissions, diversity, safety).