Position Green recently outlined the five key steps that companies can take in order to develop a robust net-zero transition plan.
Net zero is a crucial concept in today’s environmental discourse, representing the balance between the GHGs emitted and those removed from the atmosphere.
This balance is vital to combat climate change and adhere to the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to no more than 1.5°C. With the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning that current trajectories will surpass this limit in the 2030s, the call for substantial GHG emission reductions has never been more urgent. Businesses, facing increasing demands from regulators, investors, and the public, must adopt transparent and effective net-zero strategies to contribute to these global efforts.
Achieving net zero emissions for a business involves reducing GHG emissions to the lowest possible level. This process, known as decarbonisation, includes eliminating emissions from carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride, nitrogen trifluoride, perfluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons.
Companies must first understand their emissions across Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions in their value chain). Tackling these emissions, especially the complex Scope 3, is essential for businesses aiming to achieve their net-zero ambitions.
Developing a transition plan towards net zero involves several key steps. Businesses must start by identifying their main GHG emission sources across all scopes. This mapping forms the basis for setting realistic targets and finding the most significant areas for emission reductions.
Next, companies need to align their reduction goals with timelines, considering specific sector requirements and potential impacts on their decarbonisation efforts. Identifying decarbonisation levers, such as operational efficiencies or alternative fuel sources, is the third step. Following this, businesses should perform a cost-benefit analysis of these measures to prioritize actions effectively.
Finally, creating a detailed action plan with clear targets, costs, and funding strategies is crucial for operationalising net-zero commitments. This plan should also consider the importance of engaging with stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, to ensure the successful implementation of net-zero strategies.
Transitioning to net zero is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic business decision. By developing and implementing a comprehensive net-zero plan, companies can navigate the complexities of decarbonisation, meet regulatory and societal expectations, and contribute to a sustainable future.
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