Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero – Corporate Net Zero Strategy
At Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero 2025, a panel of leading sustainability professionals tackled the challenges of corporate net zero strategies.
Panellists included:
- Alessandra Ciampechini, Technical Director, Sustainability and Climate Change at WSP
- Tom Salisbury, Director of Sustainability at GKN Automotive
- Tom Abel, Director of Sales and Sustainable Solutions at Business Stream
- Jessica Benghiat, Managing Director, UK at Climate Partner
- Maria del Mar Rojas, Engagement Manager, Europe at the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
One of the key questions raised is whether shifting political and economic conditions are affecting corporate net zero commitments.
While some organisations may feel uncertainty due to changing regulations and political rhetoric, the panellists agreed that businesses with strong sustainability strategies are pushing ahead regardless.
Alessandra notes that most companies are looking at net zero as a long-term business opportunity rather than a regulatory burden.
"Businesses that see sustainability as a value driver, rather than a compliance exercise, will continue to invest because they recognise the long-term benefits," she says.
Tom reinforces this, emphasising that sustainability professionals must communicate the financial case for net zero effectively.
"Boards and executives are influenced by business realities. If we can prove the commercial value of sustainability — whether through risk mitigation, cost savings or brand positioning — momentum will continue," he explains.
Embedding sustainability into business strategy
The discussion highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into core business operations rather than treating it as a separate initiative.
Jessica stresses that sustainability should not be seen as an isolated cost but as a value driver that enhances business resilience.
She points to Unilever’s recent acquisition of Wild, a sustainable deodorant brand, as an example of how businesses can align sustainability with commercial success.
"Consumers are looking for products that combine sustainability with performance. When sustainability is embedded into a product’s core value proposition, it drives growth," she notes.
The panel also addresses the challenge of securing executive buy-in. Tom emphasises that sustainability must be a leadership-driven initiative.
"If a Chief Sustainability Officer is sitting outside boardroom discussions trying to convince leadership, it's not going to work. Sustainability needs to be integrated into the corporate purpose from the top down, with KPIs linked to both financial and environmental performance," he says.
Overcoming barriers to net zero implementation
When asked about the biggest barriers to developing net zero strategies, the panellists identified three key challenges:
- Scope 3 emissions and supply chain engagement
- Many organisations struggle to reduce emissions in their supply chains, which often account for more than 80% of total emissions
- Businesses must actively collaborate with suppliers, embed sustainability into contracts and work towards shared climate goals
"If companies expect suppliers to decarbonise but don’t provide financial support or incentives, progress will stall," Maria notes.
- Long-term investment versus short-term financial pressures
- Many businesses operate on short investment cycles, making it difficult to prioritise long-term sustainability initiatives
- The panel stresses the need to frame sustainability as an essential investment rather than an optional expense
"Companies need to understand the cost of inaction. Failing to act now will lead to greater financial and operational risks in the future," Alessandra warns.
- Data availability and measurement
- Reliable data is crucial for tracking progress and making informed decisions.
- Some companies struggle to measure their emissions accurately, making it difficult to set realistic targets and report progress transparently.
"Without good data, it’s impossible to build a credible net zero roadmap. Companies must invest in data management and reporting systems," Tom advises.
Progress over perfection: Taking action now
The panel agreed that businesses should focus on making steady progress rather than waiting for perfect solutions.
Jessica urged companies to adopt a phased approach, ensuring that short-term actions lay the groundwork for long-term transformation.
"Incremental wins help build internal confidence and demonstrate tangible benefits, which can accelerate larger-scale sustainability efforts," she says.
Maria reinforces the importance of setting science-based targets and reporting annually to ensure accountability.
"Net zero isn’t just a goal — it’s a deadline. The sooner businesses take action, the easier it will be to achieve meaningful reductions," she states.
Final takeaways: The future of corporate net zero strategies
To close the discussion, each panellist shared their key takeaways for businesses looking to develop or refine their net zero strategies:
- Alessandra Ciampechini: "Be pragmatic. Use short-term wins to build momentum and drive long-term change."
- Tom Salisbury: "Make a strong business case. Sustainability must make commercial sense to gain executive support."
- Tom Abel: "Lead from the top. Without leadership commitment, sustainability efforts will struggle."
- Jessica Benghiat: "Focus on impact. Keep the bigger picture in mind and leverage your sphere of influence."
- Maria del Mar Rojas: "Set science-based targets and report progress annually to stay accountable."
As the session wrapped, the overarching message was clear: sustainability and business success are not mutually exclusive.
Companies that integrate sustainability into their strategy, engage with stakeholders and take pragmatic steps towards net zero will be best positioned for long-term resilience and growth.
Essential diary dates for 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Sustainability Magazine and its sister publications – Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital.
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- Sustainability LIVE Singapore | 18 March
- Sustainability LIVE Dubai | 22 April
- Sustainability LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Procurement LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Sustainability LIVE: London Climate Action Week | 26 June
- Sustainability LIVE London | 9-10 September
- The Global Sustainability & ESG Awards | 10 September
- Sustainability LIVE: Climate Week NYC | 22 September
- Sustainability LIVE: COP 30 Brazil | 11 November
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