A recent UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assessment of global climate action shows that, despite some progress since the 2015 Paris Agreement, we are not on track to limit global warming to 1.5°C. With net zero strategies climbing to the top of corporate agendas as pressures from investors and customers mount, it is no wonder that more than half of our survey respondents anticipate double digit increases in net zero and climate risk spend.

The 2023 Verdantix Net Zero And Climate Risk Global Corporate Survey also revealed that brand reputation was identified as the most important factor in influencing net zero strategies (45% ‘extremely important’, 46% ‘important’). A positive brand reputation is essential for an organization’s net zero strategy to succeed, as it can attract investors, highlight trust and credibility, and show that the firm has a long-term vision for resilience – not just short-term success.

As such, in order to comply with emerging regulations aligned with frameworks like the TCFD and SBTi, avoid reputational risks and meet decarbonization targets, firms need to implement transparent and actionable roadmaps to net zero – which need to include the wide range of issues relating to their business and operations. While this may seem daunting, the good news is that business leaders are not alone. With each organization navigating a range of similar and different net zero hurdles, learning from and innovating with each other will be a crucial step to devising successful strategies.

This November in London, Verdantix hosted 150+ leading sustainability professionals, technology leaders and our own industry analysts to discuss the obstacles, opportunities and solutions to multiple facets of net zero strategy, including:

• Roadmaps to net zero
• Carbon data reporting and management
• Value of biodiversity
• Net zero buildings
• Financed emissions

The event centred on expert-led discussion sessions, featuring panellists including:

• Sian Cooke, Head of Sustainable Business, Bioregional
• Saad Malik, Sustainability Director, Lloyd’s Banking Group
• Yetunde Abdul, Head of Climate Action, UK Green Building Council
• Sam Bower, Head of Sustainability, Balfour Beatty
• Miles Durrant, Head of Environment & Climate Strategy, Royal Mail

Climate Summit EMEA brought together those at the forefront of innovative net zero strategies, creating a venue to share lessons learned and hear success stories from a range of perspectives.

For more about the event, read Three Takeaways From The EMEA Climate Summit 2023.