Net zero and decarbonisation
Accelerating and optimising your decarbonisation journey to achieve net zero
Support to achieve net zero
We can support your organisation to tackle your direct (Scope1) and indirect energy (Scope 2) emissions, as well as your value chain (Scope 3) emissions which can account for more than 90% of your organisation’s carbon impact.
Every organisation is different which is why we tailor our solutions to your own situation and climate ambitions, but we always use robust evidence, tried and tested methodologies and our deep experience to help you plan and achieve your net zero ambitions.
Net zero is a journey that requires buy-in from multiple stakeholders: the board, the staff, suppliers and investors – our experts can facilitate engagement and education to align all relevant parties to help you accomplish your climate goals.
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Forward-looking organisations implement net zero strategies to reduce risks to operations, increase resilience and meet the expectations of investors, employees and customers.
Using Ricardo’s proven six-step approach, you can be confident about achieving your objectives using the resources at your disposal.
From measuring current emissions and specifying your targets to introducing circular strategies, implementing new governance models, and revamping supply chains, our teams will guide you through every step of the journey to becoming a truly net zero operation.
The starting point for your journey to net zero is to understand your current emissions. Whether you want to work from an existing carbon footprint for your baseline year or complex, Scope 3 emissions, Ricardo can help.
Since 1982, we have calculated the carbon emissions factors for the UK. These factors are used by the UK Government to report to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to assess the UK’s progress toward its domestic carbon emissions reduction targets.
Working with Ricardo – as an authority on emissions factors, modelling and accountability – you can rest assured that your net zero roadmap is based on an accurate calculation of your current emissions baseline.
From installing renewables to fuel switching to carbon offsetting, there are lots of ways to get to net zero. With a full understanding of your carbon emissions, we will model different mitigation pathways using our Net Zero Gap Analysis tool. We will consider the realistic impact of each scenario on energy use, carbon emissions and costs to give greater certainty on the impact of different mitigation measures and investment timelines.
Our detailed understanding of a range of solutions across different areas such as heat, transport, buildings and waste allows us to carry out this analysis.
We’ll show you your net zero emissions trajectory, identify interim targets and forecast any residual emissions that will require offsetting.
All Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions sources can be included, and projected future growth of your organisation will be taken into account.
The output of steps 1 to 3 is your net zero roadmap. It includes:
- A responsibilities, resource allocation and organisational structure.
- A carbon footprint summary that compares the outcomes of various options with those of the business-as-usual scenario.
- Outputs of the net zero gap analysis modelling.
- Outputs from heating, cooling, electrical and transport energy options assessments complete with recommendations.
- Recommended net zero pathway and targets, grouped by operational area.
Our team can deliver internal communications, awareness raising activities and training workshops to support the launch of your net zero roadmap.
A broad range of stakeholders from across your organisation will be involved in ensuring your journey to net zero is a success. From estate, transport and waste teams to internal and external policy and procurement practices, there is a lot of change to bring about.
Many of your stakeholders may not have had any involvement in carbon reduction activities, which presents challenges. Therefore, it is important to build a strong governance structure to take your net zero initiative forward.
We can help you ensure your governance structure is designed around key principles of accountability, transparency and participation.
During a feasibility study, we will examine all your options for energy efficiency, decarbonisation of electricity, heating and transport. Our technology diagnostic approach ensures that your net zero targets can be met realistically while minimising risk and cost.
Our breadth of technical expertise spans the energy, waste, transport and water sectors. This enables us to evaluate all options and identify the most suitable path for you to implement, while working with facilities management contractors to verify the viability of projects.
The outcome of the prioritisation from a list of identified measures feeds into your overall outline plan and recommendations.
The timing of implementation is the critical component of the roadmap. Therefore, the plan will include the recommended timescale for each major measure, setting out the critical path to implementation, while taking into account their priority, urgency and interplay with other measures, as well as the technology’s commercial readiness.
As well as providing the net zero strategy and plan, we can also:
- Support the presentation of your net zero roadmap to your board for signoff.
- Work with the internal lead to drive implementation.
- Set action owners to work.
- Communicate your net zero strategy to stakeholders and clients through meetings, your website and the annual report.
- Monitor and report on progress.
In addition to the traditional funding routes, we also research and review other funding options, including innovation funding, which we will discuss with you.
Net zero and decarbonisation Resources
