Emissions reduction targets & Sustainability Reporting

Net-Zero Strategy

Emissions reduction targets & Sustainability Reporting

Emissions reductions, net-zero targets, legislative compliance and effective sustainability disclosures all need robust systems and processes for data management.

Why choose EcoAct.

EcoAct is committed to making a difference by assisting businesses in addressing climate and environmental challenges while boosting commercial performance.

50+

projects in the pipe, from ecosystem restoration to cookstove projects

11

Countries in Africa, Asia, Central America and Europe

40%

of the projects in the pipe are removal projects

Emissions reductions, net-zero targets, legislative compliance and effective sustainability disclosures all need robust systems and processes for data management.

At EcoAct we have 18 years experience helping companies to effectively manage and improve the quality of their data, supporting them in their mandatory and voluntary disclosures and helping them to satisfy the changing demands of best practice.

Net-zero requires significant reductions in carbon emissions, and therefore, it is highly recommended that you set a science-based target (SBT). This is an emissions reduction target developed in line with the decarbonisation required to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 or well-below 2 degrees centigrade.

As a Gold Accredited CDP supplier for SBTs, we are experienced at helping companies to navigate the challenges of target setting and validation. Not only this, our specialist software, CRaFT, can support you in finding the most feasible pathway to meet your target.

With quality data and an ambitious target, you have the foundation to weather the changing demands of the sustainability reporting landscape and keep your organisation on track for the transition to net-zero.

Our Net-Zero Services

FLAG Science-based targets

As the need for climate action becomes increasingly urgent, it is critical that emissions from the land sector be addressed.

Read more for FLAG Science-based targets

Reporting Frameworks

At present the main regulations impacting business are the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting initiative (SECR) and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS).

Read more for Reporting Frameworks

CDP

As a gold accredited provider with CDP we can help you prepare a comprehensive submission and improve your score.

Read more for CDP

Environmental Legislative Compliance

The environmental policy landscape is changing. We can help you to unravel and comply with the regulatory demands on your business.

Read more for Environmental Legislative Compliance

Sustainability Software & Systems

Carbon and energy accounting and sustainability tools are built specifically to gather, manage and process large quantities of data.

Read more for Sustainability Software & Systems

Science-based targets

Science-based targets (SBTs) are emission reductions targets aligned with the rate of decarbonisation required by science to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

Read more for Science-based targets
Circle sky
 

We're proud to have supported ATOS in defining their low-carbon targets and gaining approval of their science-based target by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).

Arnaud Doré, Group Nature and Technology Based Solutions Director, EcoAct France

Read the full case study
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5 steps to setting a science-based target and meeting it

Do you know how to set a science-based target? Our factsheet on the 5 steps to setting and meeting a science-based target will show you how to align your carbon reduction targets with the rate of decarbonisation required by science to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. Learn how to assess the feasibility of your target, the recommended approaches and the stages of calculating an SBT.

 

Factsheet

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Key questions on setting net-zero targets

What is net-zero?

Put simply, net-zero is a state where we add no incremental greenhouse gases (GHG) to the atmosphere. This means emissions output is balanced with the removal of carbon from the atmosphere via carbon sinks (e.g., forests, mangroves, carbon capture and storage, etc.).

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard, developed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2021, provides businesses with a clear blueprint on how to achieve net-zero. With a strong focus on emissions reductions, businesses are required to reduce emissions by 90-95% by 2050. To achieve net-zero, the remaining 5-10% should then be removed through carbon offsetting projects (e.g., forest conservation, afforestation, reforestation, improved forest management, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, fuel switch, etc.).

Why does net-zero matter?

We need to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement, yet a 2.7 degree temperature increase against pre-industrial levels is expected based on current climate policies around the world. An increase greater than 1.5°C will result in catastrophic events, including 36% of land being exposed to extreme rainfall and habitat loss doubling. With only 8 years left to align with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) recommendations of halving global net emissions by 2030, the need for action to achieve net-zero is greater than ever.

In addition to the risks facing society as a whole, a changing climate poses significant risks to many businesses. Without bold action to achieve net-zero and meet stakeholder needs, businesses could be at risk of non-compliance, supply chain instability, and being exposed to extreme weather events. There are however many opportunities within this changing landscape, and it is in the interest of businesses to become net-zero.

How can you get started with implementing a net-zero strategy?

Creating a net-zero plan starts with understanding your climate impact, agreeing on the boundaries of your climate ambitions and devising a robust and informed strategy for action.

1. Start with an emissions inventory and analysis

To become a net-zero business, the first step is to undertake an emissions inventory and define the emissions within the entire value chain of your organisation – Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Scope 3 emissions can be the most difficult to define, however are often the biggest source of emissions for most businesses. From this baseline of emissions within your organisation you can then establish near and long-term science-based net-zero targets and a net-zero strategy.

2. Set net-zero targets

Following the publication of the new Net-Zero Standard, well defined near- and long-term targets for reaching net-zero are required. Near-term targets should cover emissions reductions for the next 5-10 years, roughly halving emissions by 2030. Long-term net-zero targets should see a reduction of 90-95% of emissions by 2050, with some variations between sectors.

3. Reduce your emissions

Following the creation of valid net-zero targets to guide your net-zero strategy, the most crucial stage of becoming a net-zero business is reducing emissions within your value chain. A reduction in emissions across your value chain can be achieved through efficiency measures, increased stakeholder collaboration, renewable energy and investments in business transformation.

4. Offset residual emissions

To be able to claim net-zero you will need to achieve the full emissions reductions (90-95%) and then offset the remaining 5-10% of emissions via projects that remove (sequester) carbon from the atmosphere. However, given the urgency of the climate crisis and our need to protect existing carbon sinks and support sustainable development internationally today, it is recommended to begin offsetting in parallel with emissions reductions. As a project developer, EcoAct supports many carbon offsetting projects around the globe – take a look at some of our projects.

What are the benefits of becoming a net-zero business?

Transitioning to net-zero is no doubt a challenging journey but nonetheless has many benefits for both your organisation and the planet. Although your net-zero target may be far in the future, changes need to be brought in each year and not left to the end. Acting now means effective action your organisation can improve efficiencies, reduce costs and drive innovation. Having science-based targets that are verified by the SBTi shows to key stakeholders that your net-zero targets are credible and align with the latest science. With effective communication of your net-zero strategy, you can build reputational and competitive advantage.