The Reason Why Many Net-Zero Initiatives Fail (and what you can do about it)

Bain & Company found that 98% of corporate sustainability programs surveyed (2017) failed to meet their goals. 98%. Although updated data is not available, the common sentiment is that this number remains too high. Last year, as the number of “first time” climate-related natural disasters grew, the number of organizations committing to net zero (NZ) tripled. It would seem as though the critical mass we have all been waiting for is finally here.  

Collective exhale. 

However, as the Kavi team watched this surge, we had one question on our minds: 

What will it take to transform this wave of commitment into planet-saving results? 

The Problem and The Solution

The problem is that these initiatives stop short of what is needed to succeed. We approach NZ the same way most people approach losing weight or quitting smoking: commitment and deprivation.   

The solution:  

Just as successful weight loss or kicking nicotine requires wiring changes strategically into many areas of our lives, we must wire NZ into the strategy, systems, and people of our organizations. No significant change has succeeded without this critical next step. Without this wiring, initiatives become a “nice to” that remains out of reach in the crush of daily work.  Eventually the initiative is set aside, people chuckle at their optimism, and a little part of their passion dies. 

Does this sound familiar?

The consequences: We cannot let this happen with net zero initiatives. The consequences for humankind are too grave.  

The How

How do we wire NZ into the strategy, systems, and people of our organizations? While the opportunities, barriers, and tactics vary, the critical insertion points are the same across all organizations:

There’s Reason for Hope

We have a tiny window of opportunity to make the largest change any of us has ever made in our lives. However, we have what we need to succeed. We simply have to change how we implement this critical work. 

Kavi has been helping organizations through transformational sustainability efforts for years. Now, we’re dedicating 100% of our knowledge and expertise to solving the climate crisis by helping you wire your move to net zero for success. If you’re interested in learning more about how to ensure the success of your sustainability initiative, schedule a time with Kavi’s founder, Lisa Stokes Nicholas, to see if a partnership with Kavi can help get you to net zero.