Aligning to a Net Zero target accurately can be a real challenge. There is lots of mixed messages around guidelines and regulations on what a company should and shouldn’t include when measuring and reducing their carbon. This is not helped by the influx of companies in the carbon solutions market offering quick-fixes, basic online assessments, and unreliable data measurement requirements. Much of this only adds to the confusion, ambiguity, and lack of credibility in this space which naturally causes greater apprehension for companies to take real action, as Eight Versa points out.

The Hard Truth

As more Net Zero commitments are made, confusion and ambiguity around what is actually being achieved can only increase. Companies that make such pledges must ensure they comply with the demands of the Paris Agreement, accurately align themselves to Net Zero, and be transparent in their approach to all stakeholders. Without these steps, companies risk having their own integrity questioned and ultimately damaging relationships with all involved.

The commitment by some of the world’s largest organisations to reduce emissions by 100% as suggested by their Net Zero claims has prompted public scrutiny on how exactly companies are delivering on this promise. The New Climate Institute uncovered that while 25 of the world’s largest companies have pledged to reduce their emissions by 100%, in reality they are only committing to 40% reductions on average. This disparity has led to confusion and ambiguity about what is actually being achieved, which can damage the reputation of organisations and erode public trust.

Assessing Your Sustainability Integrity 

All company names are kept anonymous to avoid shaming any organisations. Company A has the highest integrity, followed by B and then C with the lowest. Each of these companies will be reviewed and evaluated in turn.

Company A – High Integrity

Company B – Medium Integrity

Company C – Low Integrity

Transparency –  Pledge Assessment

Organizations making sustainability claims need to be aware of the potential for greenwashing and take steps to ensure their commitments are accurately measured against third-party standards. Sustainability Integrity pledges should clearly state the goals, metrics, and enforcement measures that will be used to ensure all claims made about sustainability are accurate. These pledges should also include statements regarding the use of independent third-party audits to verify the accuracy of sustainability claims. Consumers and stakeholders should be able to assess the evidence that organizations are truly committed to net zero goals and accountable for their environmental impact. It is only through such rigorous assessment that organizations can demonstrate true Sustainability Integrity.

Company C

Company C has publicly declared their ambition to reach Net Zero. However, their pathway to achieving this goal is largely generic with specific objectives lacking. While they have done much promotional work and prominently list their pledges across all communications, many of these claims fall short in terms of providing tangible evidence that they are indeed on track towards the target. Without adequate proof of progress, the goal of achieving Net Zero remains elusive and simply having a target is not enough.

Company B

Without targets in place, the company are unable to measure performance or track progress towards Net Zero. In order for them to maintain credibility and demonstrate integrity with their sustainability promises, a plan needs to be in place that is both accurate and in alignment with their commitment. Without it, they cannot guarantee delivery of their commitments nor prove alignment to Net Zero.

Company A

Company A has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability integrity by clearly outlining their net zero targets across all of their public channels. They have identified a roadmap of actions they will take in order to meet these targets and communicated any partnerships or third-party certifications that ensure these efforts are implemented credibly. Company A has set a clear example for other organizations to follow in their pursuit of sustainability integrity and net-zero goals.

Credibility –  Data Assessment

Credibility is key for any sustainability strategy to demonstrate integrity. Without reliable data, organisations can make very little progress towards their Net Zero commitments. Increasingly, companies are held accountable for the accuracy of their data as external pressures mount. While some may be hesitant to commit to a Net Zero pathway without a standardised approach, it is essential to rely on credible data to ensure that sustainability goals are met. Ultimately, this will help organisations show true alignment with their Net Zero ambitions.

Company C

Company C has not been able to provide an accurate account of how it will achieve its ambitious Net Zero target. While there are examples of the right terminology, this company has not demonstrated any specific emission reduction commitments for the target year. Furthermore, Company C has not considered any intensity ratios that would account for changes in the company over time or compare against their competitors. As such, its sustainability integrity is questionable and it appears they are off track with regards to reaching their Net Zero ambitions.

Company B

Company B has taken an important step in the right direction with their efforts to reduce carbon emissions from Scopes 1 & 2. However, for a complete net zero strategy, Scope 3 should also be included in their reduction plan. Additionally, the organisation has yet to consider any offsetting requirements for when their emissions reductions capabilities have been fully exhausted. To truly demonstrate accurate alignment with net zero targets, a comprehensive strategy is needed. By developing an effective plan, Company B can not only meet but also exceed their net zero objectives.

Company A

Company A have made impressive progress in their efforts to reach Net Zero. Their sustainability strategy has been designed with the highest level of detail and accuracy, demonstrating their commitment to reaching a net zero carbon profile. All scopes of their emissions (Scope 1,2 & 3) have been thoughtfully considered every step of the way, and each measurement has been shown to be in-line with the most rigorous international standards, such as PAS2050, ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocol. To ensure complete transparency of their progress and performance, Company A have even gone above and beyond by obtaining certification from Natural Carbon Solutions. This is a clear indication that they are fully dedicated to reaching Net Zero and are taking the necessary steps to get there.

The Right Way To Net Zero

Developing a sense of sustainability integrity is paramount for companies seeking to achieve Net Zero. Establishing an open and transparent approach to business operations can help create trust between businesses and stakeholders, as well as provide a platform for the development of accurate pathways towards meeting Net Zero targets. Companies must also set out a credible pathway by aligning their strategy with the highest standards for Net Zero. This can be a challenge, but focusing on these two factors will help create a more foolproof approach to achieving Net Zero goals. With sustainability integrity and dedicated pathways in place, businesses are better placed to arrive at their desired destination of net zero emissions.