Nine of the world’s biggest companies have joined forces to develop and deliver research, guidance and implementable roadmaps to help businesses achieve net zero carbon emissions.
The Transform to Net Zero initiative will be led by founding members Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz AG, NIKE, Unilever, Starbucks, Danone, shipping firm A.P Moller - Maersk, Body Shop owner Natura & Co, and digital consultancy Wipro.
Guided by science and transparency, the coalition will focus on enabling the business transformation needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions no later than 2050 - the same target date currently in place for the UK.
The group’s members have some of the world’s most ambitious corporate climate goals and have committed to creating ‘playbooks’ on how to achieve net zero. Outputs will be made available to all, with the work intended for completion by 2025.
In a statement updating on its own progress to become ‘carbon negative’ by 2030, Microsoft said: “Once an organisation sets sustainability goals, the hard work of transforming its business to meet them begins. We have heard from both those with carbon goals and those that want to engage but don’t know where to start that they need information and tools to close the gap between intention and transformation. Working together, members will work to enable all businesses to achieve net zero emissions.”
Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, added: “No one company can address the climate crisis alone. That’s why leading companies are developing and sharing best practices, research, and learnings to help everyone move forward. Whether a company is just getting started or is well on its path, Transform to Net Zero can help us all turn carbon commitments into real progress toward a net zero future.”