Climate action

Creating a carbon neutral future

By 2030, global greenhouse gas emissions have almost halved from 2020 levels and the prospect of limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C is within reach. This is how…

1. Government efforts ramp up

Countries worldwide commit to reducing their carbon emissions to net zero. Governments pass legislation and strengthen regulation and incentivise business to support national pathways to net zero.

2. Companies act

A systems approach recognising inter-organisational and cross-sector connections has transformed how businesses tackle carbon neutrality. Key processes have been developed to improve efficiencies and synergies.

3. Financial sector spurs businesses on

Investors, lenders and insurers have minimised their exposure to climate-related risks by divesting from carbon intensive businesses in favour of those aligned with a net-zero future.

4. New services and businesses emerge

Businesses are creating the conditions for a growing carbon management industry that includes carbon footprinting, certification, offsetting and accreditation – supported by digital, advisory and management services.

5. Carbon capture delivers co-benefits

Companies’ need to offset residual emissions has created an opening for ‘natural capital’ enterprises worldwide, specialising in the restoration or enhancement of ecosystems that sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

6. Travel and transport are reconfigured

As transport is powered by green energy sources, travel demand management in cities has evolved to focus less on the means by which people choose to travel and more on the need to travel.

7. Energy sector transforms

The global energy sector rapidly moves to low carbon energy sources and away from fossil fuels. There are country-specific plans to decarbonise the energy sector according to economy, geography and legacy systems.

8. Building and upgrade performance

From the mid-2020s onwards, buildings that have been constructed using DfMA techniques contribute to improved performance against all criteria, including energy and carbon savings.

9. Circular economy comes of age

Companies embrace the circular company, with materials being reused and recycled. A rethink in design is enabling assets to be adapted, dismantled and re-assembled, and operated and maintained with greater efficiency.

10. Forward momentum

Although there are still significant challenges to solve, by 2030 success in tackling corporate emissions has generated forward momentum and an appreciation of what it will take for whole industries, and even countries, to become net zero.

This is the future we can create, together.