What are targets and actions?
Targets and action plans allow companies to set goals to achieve their ESG targets, and create actionable steps that can be shared with colleagues to work towards those goals.
Targets and action plans can be set up in the company platform, on the portfolio company level or on the Fund Manager self assessment platform.
Fund managers can view the portfolio company targets and action plans in the reports tab.
What can I set up in my targets?
Entity-level targets: you can scope a target to one or more specific entities, not just the whole organisation. When you filter Carbon Insights by entity, the target line updates automatically to match.
Multiple targets per metric/scope: you can hold more than one target for the same metric or scope at the same time, for example a regulatory mandate alongside an internal net-zero ambition.
Target status: each target has a status field you set yourself: Not started, On track, At risk, Achieved, or Missed. This status is visible on the targets list, in the Targets and Actions report, and via the KEY ESG MCP connector.
Base year: users can manually set a base year target value, rather than relying only on data already submitted in the platform. This is useful if you have historic data that predates your use of KEY ESG, or that lives off-platform.
Please note: target status is currently a manual, user-set field rather than one the platform calculates for you.
Please note: if you select an intensity value for a target, you can currently only assign it to a single entity.
How to set targets
Follow these simple steps to set concrete targets that your organisation can work towards to meet your ESG goals:
Navigate to Targets under 'Improve' on the left-hand menu
Select your metric that you would like to set a target for.
Choose the coverage for your target: the whole organisation, or one or more specific entities.
Set up your target. After filling out aspects of your target like base year (submitted data, or a manually entered value), target year, calculation methodology and target value, the KEY ESG platform will calculate the average magnitude of change you will need to make in order to meet your target.
Save your target and regularly check-in on your targets to see how your organisation is progressing, updating the status field as things change.
Please note that target setting is not yet available for all metrics, if you are missing a data point within the targets tab-please contact your account manager or support to assist in setting this up.
Viewing your targets
All targets are shown in a single, flat table on the Targets page, with columns for Coverage (organisation-wide or entity-based) and Status, making it easy to see and manage all of your commitments at a glance. These same "Applies to" and "Status" columns also appear in the Targets and Actions report, and are included in report exports.
How to set action plans
Please follow these quick and easy steps to set targets and action for your organisation, and get on track to meet your ESG goals:
Navigate Actions plans under 'Improve'
Select 'Add action'
Input your action plan name, a description, and assign its category, start & end date, and person responsible, and set progress.
Scroll down to Progress updates and select Add progress update, to capture any steps taken to reach your ESG goal.
By setting clear targets and detailed action plans within the KEY ESG platform, your organisation can effectively navigate its ESG journey and make meaningful progress towards your sustainability goals. These steps ensure that every team member is aligned and actively contributing to the company's ESG objectives.
Targets and action plans for Fund Managers
Fund managers can set their own targets and action plans in the self-assessment area.
Fund managers can also view the portfolio company targets and action plans in the reports tab by:
1. Navigating to the fund manager platform
2. Go to the reports tab
3. Click on the 'Targets and action plans' Tab where you can filter by company to see all entity level targets and action plans:
If you need assistance at any point, our support team is here to help. You can reach us at support@keyesg.com or via the in-app chat function for personalized guidance. Start setting your targets and actions today and drive your ESG success forward with confidence!