Net Zero Isn’t a Target, It’s a Journey That Needs a Map   

Reaching net zero doesn’t happen by accident.
It doesn’t happen overnight.
And it doesn’t happen with vague intentions.

It happens when your organisation builds a clear, time-bound roadmap that connects where you are today with where you want to be. In  2030, 2035, 2040, or beyond. 

A net-zero roadmap is your long-term climate action plan, broken into manageable steps. 

It defines: 

• What actions you’ll take 

• When they’ll happen 

• Who will lead them 

• How progress will be measured 

And because every business has a different footprint, structure, and market, every roadmap will look different. 

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Roadmap

Your net zero journey depends on: 

• The emissions you produce (Scope 1, 2, and 3) 

• The structure and complexity of your supply chain 

• The physical assets you own (offices, fleets, factories, etc.) 

• Your access to technology, finance, and partnerships 

• Industry-specific regulations and targets 

A multinational logistics firm will need a different strategy to a regional professional services provider.
A manufacturer has different constraints to a SaaS platform or food retailer. 

That’s why your roadmap should be built using your own emissions data, informed by your own operations, and aligned to science-based targets where possible. 

What Might a Net Zero Roadmap Look Like?

Here’s an example of a simplified roadmap for a mid-sized professional services company aiming for net zero by 2040: 

📍 2024–2025: Baseline, Plan, Engage 

• Complete carbon footprint and submit first public emissions report 

• Set science-aligned emissions reduction targets 

• Build internal governance (steering group, champions) 

• Begin supplier engagement and start reduction planning 

📍 2026–2032: Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 

• Transition fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) 

• Shift to 100% renewable electricity for all offices 

• Complete lighting and HVAC energy upgrades 

• Introduce employee low-carbon travel incentives 

📍 2026–2032: Supply Chain & Scope 3 Focus 

• Require suppliers to report emissions annually -Removal of non engaged suppliers. Adoption of engaged suppliers. 

• Integrate Scope 3 requirements into procurement 

• Shift business travel to rail and virtual-first 

• Collaborate with partners on sustainable packaging 

📍 2033–2038: Deep Reductions & Carbon Removal 

• Achieve 75–90% emissions reduction from baseline 

• Offset residual emissions through verified removal projects 

• Certify progress annually via NCZ or SBTi 

• Publish transparent, verified net zero progress reports 

📍 2040: Net Zero Achieved 

• Demonstrate reductions and residual offset balance 

• Celebrate and certify verified Net Zero status 

• Continue reductions and innovations beyond 2040 

Real-World Examples: How Others Did It

🟢 Microsoft 

Set its goal to be carbon negative by 2030. They: 

• Measured Scope 1–3 emissions in detail 

• Built an internal carbon fee to fund reductions 

• Invested heavily in carbon removal technologies 

• Reported annually with transparent disclosures 

🟢 Unilever 

Committed to net zero across its entire value chain by 2039. They: 

• Embedded climate goals into every brand and business unit 

• Engaged over 60,000 suppliers 

• Invested in regenerative agriculture, logistics, and data systems 

These businesses succeeded by building clear roadmaps, aligning operations to carbon goals, and investing early in solutions, not just waiting for regulation. 

How NCZ Helps You Build and Deliver Your Roadmap

We work closely with you to develop a credible, achievable net zero plan: 

✅ Translate your emissions data into practical milestones
✅ Identify realistic targets based on your business profile
✅ Create visual roadmaps to communicate progress
✅ Build in annual reporting, certification and verification
✅ Provide a platform to monitor your reductions year-on-year 

Whether you’re at the starting line or in the middle of your journey, we’re here to help you move forward. 

 

Get in touch today and book a call: https://zcal.co/t/csm/nczexploratory  

📧 jacob@neutralcarbonzone.com