Transitioning to net zero – are you prepared for the journey?
Whilst many companies have committed to net zero, and some even have their roadmaps or strategies developed, the complexity of implementing the journey remains a challenge. Does your company know how it is going to reach its targets?
Several companies are setting their own net-zero objectives, but the complexity of implementing the journey remains a challenge. Does your company know how it is going to reach its targets?
The challenge of net zero action
Whilst many companies have committed to net zero, and some even have their roadmaps or strategies developed, the complexity of implementing the journey remains a challenge. There are a few core reasons for this:
Implementing net zero requires systemic change
Implementing net zero plans is systemic in nature: solutions are unique, industry dependent and will require stakeholders’ engagement. Similarly, the skills required are complex and multi-disciplinary, from strategy to operations.
Scaling beyond pilots is a challenge
Transitioning towards net zero for organisations means moving towards more sustainable and low-carbon or zero-carbon decision making, keeping in view the future risks and opportunities arising due to such a transition.
Yet scaling successful pilots remains challenging and expanding beyond the organisation across the value chain is an even greater one. In addition, capability-building is often not aligned with business needs, creating mobilisation and engagement issues.
The organisational transformation required is significant
Net zero solutions, at times, require completely new products and services, rather than improved ones. It is challenging for businesses to deviate from business-as-usual, established operations and culture.
What are the drivers of effective net zero operationalisation?
To drive an effective net zero transition there are several essential levers to consider. Whilst some companies have solidly developed roadmaps and other plans, translating them into action requires a multifaceted approach that addresses multiple pillars of climate action. These pillars include:
Climate change governance and processes
Effective climate change governance structures involving key personnel, policies and standard operating procedures across the organisation is important.
Data management system
Robust data management system for monitoring climate change metrics will support the assessment of operational impacts, supply chain and risks.
Greenhouse gas emissions inventory
Comprehensive GHG emissions estimates, covering all material sources of emissions, need to be reported in accordance to globally accepted methodologies.
Science-based targets
Setting targets in line with a net zero scenario, to ensure the organisation’s alignment with global net zero pathways.
Understanding risks and opportunities in a net zero world
A detailed understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities material to the organisation is an important consideration on its own net zero journey.
Net-Zero plan and roadmap
A forward-looking net zero plan, including a carbon abatement and offset plan and implementation roadmap, with clear timelines and targets, should be developed.
Finance mobilisation plan
Internal budget allocation and additional financing for short, medium and long-term should be thoroughly understood and planned for.
Progress monitoring and reporting framework
The implementation of a transparent monitoring and reporting framework that details Key Performance Indicators and assess the progress targets is essential.
Climate change disclosures
Climate-related activities, actions, discussions, and outcomes should be disclosed to relevant stakeholders each year.
Is your organisation taking these enablers into account in your own net zero strategy? Answer a few high-level questions, and we’ll contact you with an assessment and ideas for how to take your strategy to the next level.
Contact us to conduct a free net zero assessment*
The dss+ sustainability approach
Many are talking about net zero commitments, plans, and roadmaps, but are facing operationalisation challenges. At dss+ , our approach is different – we use our deep industry knowledge and operational expertise to transform operations on their path to net zero, and coach teams to build their capability in managing the journey. dss+ can facilitate your net zero journey by:
- Turning ideas, ambition and strategy into reality
- Implementing and integrating sustainability throughout business
- Building the capabilities and culture to enable a sustainable business impact
We know your day-to-day challenges.
We have 120+ sustainability experts with deep industry experience across the globe with extensive experience in the areas of ESG, energy transition and decarbonisation, climate risk assessments, circular economy, science-based targets, carbon markets and climate finance.
We use data-based approaches.
We use science and data to pragmatically work with clients to apply to their situations. We use data to understand client requirements and develop unique, customised solutions and have supported numerous organisations globally with GHG accounting, Sustainability Based Targets, and net zero transition plans.
We tailor our approach
In addition to an in-depth understanding of globally recognised climate scenarios, tools and databases to deliver on net zero, we partner with industry-related organisations and standards to help clients transform their business.