Net zero describes the balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere. Over the last few years, companies have set net zero goals that aim to reduce their carbon emissions so that they are no longer contributing to global warming.
Now, though, companies are wrestling with how to actually achieve those goals. To do that, companies can pursue a combination of decarbonization projects. Some are obvious choices, such as investing in onsite alternative energy sources like solar or wind or making their facilities more energy efficient. These initiatives are relatively easy to execute and may lead to cost savings now. But those tactics will only get companies so far down the path to net zero.
While ambition is high, many organizations are struggling to capture full value from their decarbonization efforts. Some have yet to do the math to fully understand how their organization will achieve that commitment over time and what it may cost along the way. For others, they are struggling with effectively managing and executing against a portfolio of complex decarbonization projects in addition to all the other priorities at hand.
Realizing their ambitions will require companies to tackle emissions across their value chains (i.e., scope 3 emissions). That means evaluating each process and every step of how products are designed and engineered; where materials are sourced; and how products are manufactured, sold and ultimately used by consumers.
It’s essential that company leaders bring the same long-term thinking that went into setting initial net zero goals to the execution of decarbonization strategies. Some of these initiatives will allow companies to immediately capture a positive return. But leaders will also need to prepare their organizations for sustainability initiatives to be complex and costly — and for returns that will likely materialize over years, not months. Those who take bold action now can set up future CEOs for success and enable their organizations to remain relevant today, tomorrow and well into the future.
PwC has defined the building blocks of effective ESG framework and our experienced teams are ready to help you deliver on your net zero and decarbonization goals:
No matter where you are on your decarbonization journey, we can help you step forward.
Is your company ready to tackle decarbonization? PwC is here to help your company stand the test of time with this series of key insights on how to integrate sustainability into the supply chain, reduce the carbon intensity of your products — and explore paying for it all with tax incentives and credits.
Discover how decarbonization leaders drive value by cutting Scope 3 emissions through product sustainability and smart governance, funding & engagement.
Technology can help you take advantage of ESG tax incentives and credits, like the inflation reduction act, to advance the value of sustainability initiatives.
The life cycle assessment process can help companies rethink their supply chains and produce low-carbon intensity products that customers are starting to favor.
Our PwC survey shows executives agree that resilient supply chains are key to an effective sustainability strategy.
Tracking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across an organization can be challenging because they come from so many sources, both direct and indirect. Whether a company is working toward a net zero or carbon reduction commitment, understanding the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is important.
Driven by our purpose, we feel a deep obligation and commitment to help address the root causes of climate change and reduce the environmental footprint of our own operations. In 2020, we announced our global science-based commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030, building on our 2018 global environmental commitment. We have been recognized in a number of benchmarks and standards relating to responsible business, environmental performance, supply chain management and circular economy.
We will use our experience to help you deliver on your ESG strategy, building organizational purpose into the focus.
PwC has defined an ESG framework with nine building blocks for a successful net zero transformation and decarbonization strategy across your business.
Learn why you need a Scope 3 emissions strategy now, how to engage your suppliers and why measuring and managing and reducing those emissions are critical.
A key consideration of a company’s ESG data reporting strategy is its approach to measuring and managing Scope 3 emissions over time.
PwC can help your company prepare for the SEC climate disclosure rules and other regulations that expand ESG reporting requirements.
