Why is Renewable Energy Essential on the Route to Net Zero?
Cutting carbon emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining output absorbed by natural systems or captured through removal technologies, is what the United Nations (UN) defines as net zero.
Under this framework, achieving net zero leaves “zero in the atmosphere.”
This principle forms the heart of the 2015 Paris Agreement, a global treaty committing nations to limit the rise in average global temperature to no more than 1.5°C.
To meet this aim, carbon emissions must fall by 45% by 2030, reaching net zero by 2050.
Energy is central to this transformation.
The production, transportation and consumption of energy all require a rethink if global targets are to be met.
Rewiring how energy is used and produced
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “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.”
In practice, net zero demands structural change, particularly in energy systems where fossil fuels continue to dominate in many parts of the world.
Countries that signed the Paris Agreement are expected to submit updated national climate plans – known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – to show how they will meet targets.
These plans differ based on national circumstances and the ability to adapt.
The UN states, “Getting to net zero requires all governments – first and foremost the biggest emitters – to significantly strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and take bold, immediate steps towards reducing emissions now.”
While the international direction is clear, delivering on those commitments falls largely to the private sector, especially in high-impact areas like energy use and supply chains.
Emissions and energy across industry supply chains
British American Tobacco (BAT) is reshaping its energy and supply chain operations to align with the Paris Climate Agreement.
BAT’s business model, which depends on natural resources including timber, soil and water, places it at risk from climate disruption while also making it accountable for reducing its environmental impact.
In 2024, BAT re-submits near-term Science-Based Targets (SBTs) with a 1.5°C pathway and also lodges long-term net zero goals with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The targets include halving Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 and making substantial Scope 3 cuts across both agricultural and industrial areas.
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from operations, Scope 2 relates to purchased energy and Scope 3 includes emissions across the wider value chain such as suppliers and logistics.
To deliver these goals, BAT applies decarbonisation roadmaps, sources renewable energy, electrifies its fleet and supports carbon-smart tobacco farming practices.
Its energy-related investments include biomass boiler systems in several countries, expanded solar panel coverage and a £19m (US$25.5m) spend on energy efficiency improvements across 63% of BAT’s operational sites.
These steps form BAT’s pathway to net zero across its supply chain.
Westbury Street Holdings (WSH Limited) sets its net zero goal for 2040, covering the full value chain. Its climate strategy is backed by verified targets from the SBTi and supported by transparent progress reporting.
By 2025, WSH commits to sourcing all liquid milk from UK farms meeting RSPCA Assured standards, with priority given to suppliers pursuing net zero goals.
The company launches a supplier engagement programme to raise climate standards in sourcing and ethics.
Its “Step Up” climate pledge focuses on lowering packaging-related emissions and measuring economic emissions intensity against a 2019 baseline.
A detailed climate transition plan is in development, mapping out action points for implementation.
Digital tools supporting renewable energy rollouts
Avanade focuses on digital solutions to accelerate net zero outcomes.
The company integrates AI, cloud computing and digital twins, virtual models of real-world systems, to improve how energy is produced, monitored and maintained.
These technologies help clients lower emissions and manage environmental risks across renewable projects.
Avanade uses ecological modelling, energy monitoring tools and environmental safety applications to ensure clean power developments benefit both people and planet.
Its digital systems enable trialling of renewable strategies at scale, while insights from real-time data improve energy planning and infrastructure performance.
The company sees its role in the net zero push as both a responsibility and a long-term opportunity.
As it develops tools that reduce energy use, enhance transparency and support operational change, Avanade shapes how organisations navigate the energy transition.
This work will be a core part of discussions at Sustainability LIVE London, held on 9-10 September 2025.
During the “route to net zero” panel, industry leaders share how their companies build sustainability into their energy strategies.
Annelie Selander, Chief Sustainability Officer at WSH, presents how the firm embeds net zero ambitions across its value chain. Aimie Keeler, Group Head of Climate and Nature at BAT, discusses integrating environmental goals in global operations.
Avanade’s Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer, Annette Giardina, outlines how emerging technology supports net zero across the energy landscape.
To attend this panel and many more at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, get your tickets now here.
