In recent months, a concerning trend has emerged: some companies are retreating from net zero commitments and withdrawing from net zero industry groups altogether. The reasons are clear: achieving this is challenging, uncertain, and requires significant investment that can seem daunting. Today, achieving net zero globally demands innovation, a long-term perspective, and unwavering commitment from the corporate sector.
Despite these challenges, achieving net zero is far from unattainable. With a realistic, actionable plan and buy-in across all levels of an organization, it can be achieved. At Arcadis, we've developed a holistic net-zero strategy—a structured, three-step approach to net-zero planning—enabling our clients to set ambitious targets and implement them effectively within a sustainable business strategy. This proven methodology empowers organizations to move confidently toward their sustainability goals.
Real-world success: a global net-zero roadmap
For one of our clients—a company with a 1,200-site real estate portfolio and a 2030 net zero target—this approach has been transformative. We analyzed nearly 400 buildings using EDA and our in-house energy modeling platform, developing decarbonization pathways that balanced cost and feasibility. The result was a comprehensive roadmap with short-, mid-, and long-term actions, paired with a change management strategy for operationalizing net zero and integrating it into long-term decision-making.
In addition, we strengthened existing governance frameworks to better achieve their targets using deep stakeholder engagement. Over the course of six months, we conducted over 160 engagement sessions to understand departmental functions, cross-functional collaboration, and project management pain points. We used this information to map out their current process, resolve shared challenges, and define roles and responsibilities across teams.
Moving forward with confidence
The path to net zero is undeniably challenging, but it offers a powerful opportunity to drive innovation, enhance resilience, and create long-term value. With a clear strategy and the right tools, businesses not only meet their commitments but also lead the way toward a more sustainable future. At Arcadis, we help companies transform net-zero plans into actionable, achievable outcomes, turning challenges into meaningful progress.
