The Route to Net Zero: How can Leaders Accelerate Success?
According to the United Nations, “net zero means cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and stored by nature and other CO₂ removal measures – leaving zero in the atmosphere.”
In 2015 the Paris Agreement was signed, a worldwide treaty to keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C, meaning that emissions would need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Reaching net zero
Achieving net zero will require a fundamental transformation in how energy is produced, transported and consumed.
“The growing political consensus on reaching net zero is cause for considerable optimism about the progress the world can make, but the changes required to reach net zero emissions globally by 2050 are poorly understood,” says the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Turning today’s ambitious pledges into action will demand enormous effort, particularly given the wide differences in countries’ circumstances and their ability to adapt.
In line with the Paris Agreement, each country is expected to submit an updated national climate action plan – known as a National Determines Contribution.
Reducing emissions
British American Tobacco (BAT) is transforming its own operations and supply chain to deliver on science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Due to the business depending on natural resources such as timber, soil and water, it is both exposed to climate risks and responsible for managing its environmental impact.
In 2024, BAT re-submitted near-term Science-Based Targets (SBTs) aligning with a 1.5°C pathway and also submitted long-term net zero goals to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
The company aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% and achieve major Scope 3 reductions across agriculture and industrial sources by 2030.
Progress is being driven by decarbonisation roadmaps, renewable energy sourcing, electrification of its fleet and carbon-smart farming in the tobacco supply chain.
Recent investments include biomass boiler installations in several markets, expansion of on-site solar panels and £19m (US$25.5m) in energy efficiency projects across 63% of BAT’s sites.
These combined efforts highlight BAT’s climate glide path and its ambition to achieve net zero across operations and the value chain.
Net zero in the food industry
WSH Limited (Westbury Street Holdings) has set a clear ambition to achieve net zero across its full value chain by 2040, with its targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The company is committed to measuring and disclosing progress transparently, ensuring customers and clients are kept informed to make better choices.
By 2025, WSH aims to source 100% of its liquid milk from UK dairy farmers meeting RSPCA Assured standards, prioritising those committed to net zero.
To accelerate this journey, WSH is launching a multi-year supplier engagement programme designed to raise standards in sourcing, ethical compliance and climate action.
Step Up, the company’s climate pledge, underpins this commitment and drives its strategy to reduce packaging-related emissions and other impacts.
With 2019 as its baseline, WSH aims to cut economic emission intensity while developing detailed climate transition plans with actionable measures.
Renewable energy to reach net zero
Avanade is committed to advancing the global transition to net zero by harnessing the power of digital technology and innovation.
With sustainability as a core priority, Avanade applies AI, cloud solutions and digital twins to help clients reduce emissions and operate more responsibly.
By creating advanced monitoring systems, ecological modelling tools and safety applications, Avanade ensures that renewable energy projects not only deliver clean power but also protect local environments and communities.
The company’s focus on practical, scalable solutions allows organisations to test and implement the best approaches to sustainability challenges.
Its expertise in combining data-driven insights with emerging technologies is transforming how renewable energy is developed, managed and maintained.
Avanade views the journey to net zero as both an obligation and an opportunity to create long-term value for businesses, society and the planet.
A route to net zero panel
At Sustainability LIVE London, 9-10 September 2025, the route to net zero panel will bring together diverse leaders who are driving sustainability and innovation to reach net zero.
Annelie Selander, Chief Sustainability Officer at WSH Limited (Westbury Street Holdings) will share insights on how WSH is embedding sustainability across its value chain, with a particular focus on achieving net zero by 2040.
Aimie Keeler, Group Head of Climate and Nature at BAT will highlight how BAT is integrating climate and nature considerations into a complex global supply chain.
Annette Giardina, Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer at Avanade will demonstrate how digital innovation and advanced technologies, such as AI and digital twins, are accelerating the path to net zero.
To attend this panel and many more at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, get your tickets now here.
