The business case for net zero

The net zero mission: decarbonisation business barriers and opportunities

The road to net zero is complex. But many companies recognise the crucial need for a business plan that incorporates targets, investment, and a regularly revisited strategy to drive down greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. While this may feel like a pipedream for some companies, the risks of ignoring climate change, or failing to prepare a response and plan of any kind, could prove detrimental. Working toward decarbonisation, in any shape or form, is a global necessity.

Many leaders question ‘how can I decarbonise my business?’ while weighing up the potential for high costs, a worry about lack of business growth, and concerns about the competency and validity of reporting. However, although it’s true that successful net zero strategies require sustained efforts and significant investment, even the first often-considered-minor steps toward decarbonisation add weight to your pledge. Collect emissions data, identify simple and immediate actions that could lower carbon footprint, thoroughly understand the regulatory landscape, and set expectations with suppliers to maintain the right partnerships.

The motivation for change

For companies to stay relevant – as well as respected in customers’ eyes given how high it is on their agenda – setting out a sustainability journey is a smart move.

Net zero is now a legally binding commitment. Measuring baseline emissions data and actioning a carbon reduction plan will ensure you’re compliant with regulations and rulings that require thorough reporting and disclosure of emissions (SECR, for example). But compliance with government regulations isn’t the only reason to change, and, at Greenarc, it’s our mission to get under the skin of your business to thoroughly understand your motivation for starting your net zero journey.

Setting and monitoring decarbonisation business goals puts you in a good position to communicate the business’ commitment to environmental responsibilities accurately.

Measuring your carbon footprint in this way makes for a powerful brand signal that can boost customer retention, increase investor confidence, grow and motivate your network of suppliers, and bolster staff morale – employees increasingly want to work for companies aligned with their own beliefs and values.

Whatever your motivation for change, Greenarc helps facilitate your ambitions to reach net zero, ensuring any plans are aligned with your business strategy, budget, and aspirations.

Carving out the plan to decarbonise

Knowing where to start in the business journey to sustainability can be daunting. Greenarc helps you to measure your baseline emissions and provides a comprehensive framework to not only reduce your environmental impact, but also demonstrate your commitment to a greener future.

We’ll get an overview of your carbon footprint by calculating your organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) footprint (this typically includes scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions), before highlighting reduction targets with an aim of net zero emissions in the long term.