TNFD vs SBTN: understanding the differences to guide your nature strategies
Companies are increasingly seeking to structure their nature strategies around recognized frameworks: TNFD, SBTN, CSRD…
But how can you make sense of all these acronyms? And above all, what do they actually measure: risks and opportunities, or impacts and dependencies?
In this article, Sayari breaks down the differences and complementarities between TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) and SBTN (Science Based Targets for Nature)—two key approaches for integrating biodiversity into corporate strategy.
TNFD: identifying nature-related risks and opportunities
Objective of TNFD
The TNFD helps companies and financial institutions identify, manage, and disclose nature-related risks and opportunities.
It extends the logic of the TCFD (for climate) but applies it to biodiversity and ecosystems.
Target audience
- Finance departments
- Investors
- Governance committees and strategic departments
Wha the TNFD is looking for
- Identify physical, transition, and reputational risks (resource scarcity, regulatory tightening, damage to image)
- Highlight “nature-positive” opportunities: restoration, innovation, new sustainable markets
- Integrate these elements into the company’s strategic and financial management
Typical TNFD data and metrics
- Location of exposed assets by site or sector
- Physical risks: water stress, loss of pollinators, deforestation
- Transition risks: regulation, reputation, changing demand
- Opportunities: ecological restoration markets, biodiversity credits
- Dependencies: % of revenue linked to an ecosystem service
- Vulnerability and financial exposure indicators
TNFD summary
Strategic reporting framework focused on the financial materiality of nature-related issues.
SBTN: measuring and reducing impacts and dependencies
SBTN’s objectives
SBTN helps companies set science-based targets to reduce their impacts on and dependencies on nature.
It is the scientific compass of the “nature positive” movement.
Target audience
- Sustainability departments
- CSR managers
- Environment and operations departments
What SBTN is looking for
- Assess impacts (pollution, land use, resource extraction)
- Identify dependencies (water, pollination, climate regulation)
- Set quantified reduction and restoration targets
- Guide the implementation of concrete actions in four areas: water, land, oceans, biodiversity
Typical SBTN data and metrics
- Spatial data: location of sites and supply areas
- Quantitative data: emissions (N, P, GHG), water consumption, land use
- Ecological data: habitat status, endangered species, connectivity
- Dependency data: water volumes, ecosystem services used
- Standardized indicators (ENCORE, GRI, Align):
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- km² of affected habitats
- m³ of water withdrawn
- % of supply from degraded ecosystems
SBTN summary
Scientific framework for measuring and acting on ecological pressures.
TNFD vs SBTN: two complementary frameworks
| Dimension | TNFD | SBTN |
| Purpose |
Identify and manage nature-related risks and opportunities |
Measure and reduce impacts and dependencies |
| Main target | Investors, finance departments | CSR and sustainability managers |
| Type of action | Strategic reporting | Operational implementation |
| Approach | Financial materiality | Science and planetary boundaries |
| Link between the two | TNFD reporting can be based on SBTN data | SBTN results feed into TNFD reporting |
CSRD : linking TNFD and SBTN in reporting
Role of the CSRD
The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requires European companies to report their sustainability impacts, risks, and opportunities according to the principle of double materiality:
- Impact materiality: how the company affects nature
- Financial materiality: how nature affects the company
Related standards:
- ESRS E4 – Biodiversity and ecosystems
- ESRS E2 – Pollution
- ESRS E3 – Water and marine resources
CSRD and TNFD: strategic alignment
- Identification of nature-related risks and opportunities
- Value chain analysis
- Governance, strategy, risk management, and indicators
- Structured and verifiable reporting
The TNFD is therefore aligned with the CSRD in terms of reporting structure.
CSRD and SBTN: scientific data and metrics
To produce the reporting required by the CSRD, companies must rely on SBTN:
| Dimension | Link with SBTN |
| Identification of impacts and dependencies | SBTN / ENCORE / GRI methodologies |
| Goals definition | Aligned with science-based targets for nature |
| Monitoring indicators | Pressures measured on water, soil, ecosystems |
| Site mapping | Spatial granularity in line with SBTN requirements |
The CSRD structures reporting (TNFD) and relies on scientific data (SBTN).
Conclusion: rigorous biodiversity management
- TNFD: strategic framework and reporting
- SBTN: scientific data and targets
- CSRD: mandatory regulatory framework in Europe
These frameworks form a coherent ecosystem for integrating nature into corporate strategy and ensuring transparency, rigor, and a positive impact on biodiversity.
Want to know more?
At Sayari, we help companies mobilize the right metrics for their nature strategy, combining scientific rigor and data clarity.
Member of the European PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) Technical Advisory Board.
Member of the French ADEME environmental labelling working group.
