FLAG Science Based Targets FAQ

Scope and targets

Do organisations need to set a FLAG and a non-FLAG target?

FLAG targets are separate from other fossil/industrial or non-FLAG targets. FLAG SBTs only apply to an organisation’s GHG emissions from AFOLU emissions (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use). Therefore, relevant organisations will have separate FLAG and Non-FLAG targets.

Does the FLAG guidance require both a short-term and long-term target? 

Similar to energy/industry targets, FLAG targets may include both a near-term target covering a period of 5-10 years and a long-term target. Timelines for setting FLAG targets depend on the organisation’s current target status and activities such as setting a Net Zero target.

Does FLAG make it more difficult to set an SBTi? 

It is too early to comment as most organisations are still reviewing the guidance and understanding the implications this has on their current or planned SBTi activity. Anthesis views this as a positive move from SBTi as it enables organisations with FLAG emissions in their value chain to directly address their land-based emissions but also account for their removals, which was not previously possible. However, some organisations have commented on the expanded coverage needed in their energy/industry target to achieve the 67% coverage in Scope 3.

How do you set a FLAG target if you operate across multiple categories of the FLAG SBTi?

The FLAG sector tool is the default target-setting tool that should be used for companies that fall within FLAG sectors that fall within the SBTi designated sectors. Organisations with emissions associated with one of the nine available agricultural commodity pathways that account for 10% or more of an organisation’s total FLAG emissions (across all emissions) may use the commodity pathway for that commodity.

Organisations can use both the FLAG sector and FLAG Commodity approach in the development of their FLAG target. If this is the case, organisations are then encouraged to consolidate targets into one combined (absolute) FLAG target using the aggregator tool.

How do organisations that have both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries in their supply chain set a target?

Organisations participating in aquaculture and wild caught fishing would fit within the ‘Food Production – Animal Source’ sector classification. However, as noted, wild-caught fish is exempted from being required to set a FLAG target. The organisation would need to separate emissions from aquaculture and wild-caught fishing within their GHG inventory. If the emissions from aquaculture are greater than 5% (across all scopes) they would be required to set a FLAG target for this area of their supply chain.

Are avoided emissions included?

The SBTi FLAG guidance follows the accounting guidance of the GHG Protocol, using an inventory approach rather than a project accounting approach. When avoided emissions refer to deforestation, this can be included in FLAG as both emissions and removals, if the right criteria are met. Avoided emissions based on product or material use or substitution are not included in inventory accounting.

Emissions accounting

How do we track and verify emissions related to raw material production in a complex multi-tiered supply chain, where there is no traceability?

Obtaining production data in complex global supply chains can be challenging. Successful collection and tracking of the production data relies on a thorough supplier engagement strategy. Anthesis has developed several programmes for substantial food retailers whose supply chains are broad and varied, successfully communicating data requirements from suppliers, and collecting primary data in return.

In the absence of primary data several other methods do exist, including activity-based and modelling-based methods.

Does land use change always equal emissions under FLAG?

Land use change could be calculated as a carbon removal if the right conditions are met. For example, reforestation and forest vegetation restoration that occurs on working lands (e.g. silvopasture, riparian planting/corridors, biodiversity bridges) are included in the FLAG sector target. However, removals may only be included in FLAG targets when the appropriate requirements are met. These include ongoing storage and monitoring, traceability, primary data, uncertainty, and reversals accounting.

Reforestation and forest restoration that occur outside working lands are excluded from targets because these efforts are outside organisation supply chains and thus outside its immediate influence.

Are carbon credits included in FLAG?

Organisations cannot purchase offsets to meet near-term FLAG or energy/industry targets. Only removals on land owned or operated by an organisation or within an organisation’s supply chain can be included in FLAG pathways and count toward achieving a FLAG target. Any sale or purchase of carbon credits should be handled in a company inventory following the GHG protocol guidance to avoid double counting.

Can insets be used to meet FLAG targets?

Emissions reduction and carbon removals on land owned or operated by an organisation or within an organisation’s supply chain can be included in an organisation’s inventory accounting and count toward achieving a FLAG target.

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