Climate strategy and management

Context

The threat of climate change is undisputedly one of the greatest global challenges of our time. Companies, organizations, cities and communities are facing the challenge of rapidly reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and becoming climate neutral as quickly as possible. The most ambitious organizations have already set targets for reducing GHG emissions in line with climate science, so-called Science Based Targets (SBT).

Society is showing more willingness for the changes that are required for the reduction of GHG emissions. Investors are calling on companies to submit ambitious climate protection plans and are now linking components of manager salaries to the achievement of aggressive climate targets. Legislators are setting more demanding policies and regulations to limit GHG emissions and are creating economic incentives for attaining climate neutrality.

Companies and cities with coherent and ambitious climate programs are better positioned to win the trust of the public and that of their customers. The individual paths to climate neutrality will initially bring about changes and additional economic pressure. However, these actions, combined with an intelligent communication plan, will inevitably lead to a competitive advantage.

Additional economic opportunities may arise for some companies. Innovative services and products for GHG emission reductions can open new potential (export) markets.

Established ‘best-in-class’ methods for calculating and managing GHG emissions support transformations towards climate neutrality.

Strategy for climate neutrality

Typically, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is used to understand, quantify, and manage GHG emissions. At the same time a specific climate target (e.g. Science Based Target) is determined. With this target, suitable measures can be developed. Generally, three directions are pursued: from avoidance to reduction and compensation.

The result is a robust package of measures and a transformation roadmap where the measures are entered on the time axis according to their priorities and dependencies. In addition, a communication concept is developed.

In our experience, the development of measures and a binding plan is very complex. There are not only interdependencies between the individual measures, but also between internal and external interests (e.g. a measure can only achieve a meaningful benefit/expense ratio if other companies participate, or if there is coordination required between the company and the municipality). Here it makes sense to use the D³ methodology in the work process.

Transformation to climate neutrality

The implementation of the measures usually brings about significant changes. The transformation is supported by the establishing of suitable metrics to document progress. A variety of agreements on the details of the transformation will be necessary with internal and external stakeholders. A collaborative working method and an open attitude, also towards creative solutions, will facilitate the implementation.

A successful transformation will result in the implementation of the measures, third party certification and a communication concept.

We support you in the development of a strategy as well as in the transformation program with our expertise and know-how in agile and collaborative project management. We work with organizations and networks to develop systems and structures that enable you to successfully achieve climate neutrality. We bring more than 20 years of experience to the table.