The need to demonstrate a coherent corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and a robust environment, social, and governance (ESG) strategy has never been more important. Companies now face an increasing expectation from stakeholders that they engage in net zero carbon activities as part of their responsibility towards the environment. Not every business is equipped to develop and undertake a credible net zero strategy. Helping businesses such as these embark on a net zero journey are net zero consultancy firms. These firms have teams of experts in energy management, financial risk assessments, climate policy, human resources, renewables, and more.
Net zero strategies must be multidisciplinary in nature, ensuring the business understands climate change and its implications for operations. This can prove challenging without a complete staff that satisfies the relevant skill sets. Companies should turn towards net zero consultancy firms with proven track records working across various sectors to fill this knowledge gap.
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What does a net zero consultancy do?
Net zero consultancy is a vital service for organisations that wish to reduce their carbon footprint and take tangible action towards achieving their sustainability goals. This service offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the carbon footprint of an organisation across all three scopes, including direct and indirect emissions, and developing a tailored roadmap to reach carbon neutrality.
What should net consultancy services comprise?
One of the key benefits of a net zero consultancy service is that it offers a personalised approach for each organisation. The consultancy can establish the scope of the organisation, set a baseline for its emissions, determine its targets, and track its success. This allows each organisation to receive a customised approach based on its unique needs, priorities, and industry sector. By working with experts in the field of sustainability and carbon accounting, organisations can make informed decisions and take meaningful actions to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.
A net zero consultancy team should help you clearly chart your business’ pathway to carbon net zero. The team should provide the following services as part of its whole net zero work:
- Establish the scope of your organisation’s net zero strategy – The consultants will work with your business to set the operational and organisation boundaries within which your net zero strategy will take place.
- Collate baseline energy consumption and carbon emissions data – The team of energy and carbon accounting experts will collect and baseline relevant data within the defined scope to help you understand your current impact on the climate.
- Develop a strategy – Data analysis undertaken by a team of experts lays the groundwork for energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies.
- Fine tune a net zero roadmap for your business – A good net zero consultancy team will tailor strategies that align with your goals and consider the challenges facing your sector.
- Provide on-going support on your net zero journey – Net zero consultants should work alongside you to deliver your net zero goals. This can include guidance on relevant reporting schemes, advice on renewables and other capital investments, and helping you stay on track as a business.
Putting the above together with a business’ desire to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiencies will galvanise real progress towards net zero emissions.
What are some misconceptions about net zero consultancies?
One common misconception is that an external consultant is not needed to improve sustainability. However, organisations can gain a strategic view on how to achieve net zero and make informed decisions that will benefit both the environment and their business.
“Net zero is not a tick-box exercise, but rather an opportunity to address the impacts of an organisation’s activities on the environment and ultimately its bottom line,” says Mark Cilia, a sustainability consultant at ClearVUE.Business.
Another misconception is that the net zero consultants will do all the net zero work for you. However, it’s important to note that simply hiring a consultant is not enough to achieve net zero goals. The organisation must also provide the necessary resources, including time and information, to ensure the success of the consultancy.
The consultant can provide guidance and expertise, but it’s up to the organisation to act and implement the necessary changes. Without this commitment, the consultancy may fail to achieve the desired results. Therefore, it’s essential for organisations to approach net zero consultancy with a proactive and collaborative mindset to ensure success.
The future of net zero consultancy: Innovation, technology, and sustainable solutions
Innovative solutions will play a key role in facilitating industry’s net zero journey. Software development and new technologies make measuring easier, while common-sense approaches deliver short-to-medium results.
“Pure innovation in reduction and offsetting can achieve further reductions, leading to longer-term results and minimising the internal reductions required by companies,” says Cilia.
“Net zero consultancy is accelerating the change across different business models to become more environmentally friendly and target-oriented to meet a real sustainable economy by decoupling environmental impact from economic growth and social wellbeing,” added Fabiola Useche, a sustainability consultant with ClearVUE.Business who is specialised in sustainable development and circular economies.
Net zero emissions is the future for sustainable businesses. At ClearVUE.Business, we have the experience and expertise to help your business make the transition and achieve net zero status.
Contact us today to get started on your journey to a more sustainable future.
Read more:
- Blog – 5 steps to collecting data for carbon reporting
- ClearVUE.Zero carbon and energy accounting platform
- Navigating Mission Zero
