Decarbonization Consulting Advice
Efficiently lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requires carbon accounting, complex reporting and technology automation. Weakness in any area puts investments at risk and delays results.
That's why decarbonization consulting professionals can help.
Johnny Grow decarbonization consulting experts bring data-driven, digitally automated and industry aligned programs to corporate carbon reduction.
The company's methodology provides guidance to achieve sustainability goals while at the same time gain a competitive edge.
It's a two-fold approach of lowering the company's carbon footprint and increasing the company's brand, market position and customer loyalty.
Here's how it works.
A Decarbonization Consulting Framework to Net Zero
It's a four-step framework where each step builds upon the prior. Below is a summary of the steps.
01. Parameterize the Baseline Carbon Footprint
Without a measured starting point, it is impossible to show real progress.
When working with clients we create a baseline that can be filtered by scope-wise category, geography, office, asset and other variables. This analysis is essential when setting targets, performing forecasts and complying with reporting frameworks and regulatory authorities.
Also recognize that corporate sustainability and company profits are not opposing forces. In fact, if proactively designed they can become symbiotic.
That's why we also correlate the baseline and progress milestones with climate-specific company growth levers. We want to understand how the company's climate policy and carbon reduction can impact the corporate brand and culture. We want data that shows how results affect existing customers and new or expanded target audiences such as purpose driven customers and eco-buyers.
Combining emissions and market data aids an emissions-reduction journey and bottom-line results.
02. Prioritize Climate Goals
There are many ways for companies to lower emissions. And they all deliver different results.
We find company staff have many different ideas and goals. We generally collaborate with clients to expand their thinking, share other companies' successes, and develop a comprehensive group of possibilities. We then categorize goals by feasibility, investment and impact.
Below are some examples of goals.
- Transform procurement and sourcing policies toward lower emissions, pollution and waste. You may want to prioritize suppliers based on their sustainability profiles.
- Lower or rid fossil fuels with electrification. This goal is to replace power sourced from fossil fuels with electricity produced from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal. It's well suited for assets such as commercial buildings and vehicles.
- Adopt principals of the circular economy. The means a shift from a linear economy of take, make, use and dispose, to a more perpetual economy designed to re-purpose, re-use and recycle. Adoption may include things like recyclable packaging, materials reuse, and product take-back programs.
- Include goals that promote communication and collaboration with your stakeholders. Engage your customers, employees, and ecosystem partners in shaping and executing your climate objectives. You may also want to expand your company purpose, brand and culture with sustainability goals.
If your company aspires to achieve net zero emissions, you will probably want to develop science-based targets. These goals align with the latest climate science designed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. They shift your goal setting from achieving a measured improvement to achieving what is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
03. Execute the Roadmap
Prioritization is needed to achieve the most emission reductions in the least time and cost.
To this end, we experiment with what-if scenario models and create a data-driven forecast.
The forecast applies reduction levers to calculate and compare emissions by asset, energy consumption and carbon impact. With this data, we can also develop an investment plan that aligns with the forecast. We then identify tax credits, rebates, incentives and exemptions to offset required investments.
The final model must be constructed to show interdependencies and synergies among programs.
Many times, we organize the path to deliver quick wins that build momentum and create a jump start effect for larger initiatives.
The end result is a pathway of carbon reduction measures organized by investment, payback and GHG impact. This creates a data-driven roadmap that can be funded, resourced, measured and governed.
04. Automate and Measure
Technology is needed for data management, process automation and information reporting.
So, we help our clients digitally enable their decarbonization strategy.
We leverage AI to identify efficiency and process improvements. In fact, we have learned to apply AI at each milestone to recalibrate the plan and recalculate the least cost route to maximum carbon takeout.
We monitor, analyze and report carbon emissions by cost, time and impact. We harvest actionable insights and emerging trends. We put the spotlight on anomalies and variances that need swift remediation.
Carbon accounting and GHG calculations can be complex. So, we generally deploy sustainability dashboards for simplicity and transparency.
Our experience has revealed that the basic metrics are good but insufficient. That's why our dashboards include primary, secondary and tertiary key performance indicators. This allows us to compare results among categories and scope-wise emissions. It's also helpful in identifying new opportunities and clearly communicating economic and environmental results.
Using industry benchmarks to track performance among peer groups is particularly helpful in identifying low hanging fruit and validating realistic goals.
We can generally semi-automate a period-end reporting package that shows clear outcomes and shares learning through your organization and across your ecosystem.
Your Decarbonization Consulting Partner
Applying the optimal mix of carbon reduction levers, performance analytics and technology tools is no small effort.
Fortunately, there are partners with carbon accountants and technology experts that can help.
Johnny Grow is one of those partners. Our staff of certified and experienced sustainability consultants bring expert guidance, practical solutions, technology accelerators and a proven process.