Avanade, BAT & WSH: The Corporate Route to Reaching Net Zero
The United Nations defines net zero as cutting carbon emissions to a level where they can be absorbed, leaving zero in the atmosphere.
This goal is central to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Achieving this requires a 45% emissions reduction by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. This transition requires a complete change in global energy systems.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that while political consensus is growing, the necessary changes are not well understood. Turning commitments into action is a major challenge due to the different capacities of various countries.
Each Paris Agreement signatory must submit an updated national climate action plan, or National Determined Contribution.
To attend the Route to Net Zero panel and many more at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, get your tickets now here.
Corporate climate action and emission reduction
Companies are also setting their own net zero targets.
British American Tobacco (BAT) is aligning its operations and supply chain with the Paris Agreement.
As a business reliant on natural resources, BAT is exposed to climate risks and has a large environmental footprint.
In 2024, BAT updated its near-term Science-Based Targets (SBTs) to a 1.5°C pathway and submitted long-term goals to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
BAT aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, alongside major Scope 3 reductions.
This is supported by decarbonisation roadmaps, renewable energy procurement and fleet electrification.
BAT is also implementing carbon-smart farming in its tobacco supply chain. Investments include biomass boilers, expanded solar capacity and £19m (US$25.5m) in energy efficiency projects.
These actions highlight BAT’s strategy for achieving net zero.
Net zero targets in the food and service industry
In the food sector, WSH Limited (Westbury Street Holdings) aims for net zero across its value chain by 2040, with goals verified by the SBTi.
WSH is committed to transparent reporting to help customers make informed choices.
By 2025, it plans to source all liquid milk from UK dairy farmers who meet RSPCA Assured standards, prioritising those also committed to net zero.
To support this, WSH is launching a supplier engagement programme to raise standards in sourcing and climate action.
WSH's 'Step Up' climate pledge is key to reducing packaging emissions.
Using 2019 as a baseline, WSH is creating detailed climate transition plans to decrease its economic emission intensity.
Harnessing digital innovation for sustainability
Technology company Avanade is helping the global transition to net zero through digital innovation.
Sustainability is a core priority and Avanade uses AI, cloud solutions and digital twins to help clients reduce emissions.
Avanade develops advanced monitoring and modelling tools to ensure renewable energy projects are both clean and safe for local environments.
Avanade’s approach focuses on creating practical, scalable solutions for sustainability challenges.
By merging data-driven insights with new technologies, Avanade could transform renewable energy management.
Avanade sees the path to net zero as a corporate duty and an opportunity to create long-term value.
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 the Route to Net Zero panel and many more at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, get your tickets now here.
