Future Ready

7Tools and Technologies

Because net zero plans have to be specific to an organization's needs, each should consider and integrate many different technologies and tools that will vary due to regional availability, industry relevance, cost-benefit analysis, regulatory requirements, and other organizational needs. Among the most common are energy efficiency measures—LED lighting, daylight sensors, HVAC upgrades, insulated window upgrades, and connected smart building technology. These decarbonization technologies are popular for two simple reasons: they are commercially available at scale and make a significant difference in Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions.

Other industry-specific technologies—construction materials with lower embodied carbon, manufacturing technologies that reduce energy usage, and electrified supply chains—are coming online and will be integral to net zero strategies. Part I explores many examples of both off-the-shelf and cutting-edge technologies that will be essential parts of the decarbonized economy over the next 5–10 years. However, with current technologies and initiatives, the world is likely to meet just 60–70% of global net zero objectives.

To fill those gaps left after squeezing out as many GHG emissions of operational discharges as possible, several imperfect or as-yet unproven technologies and tools will be necessary to meet net zero targets. It's advisable for organizations to avoid designing sustainability pathways based exclusively on the current ...