Getting started with decarbonisation: From strategy to action

Turning ambition into action is the hardest part of decarbonisation. With disclosure rules tightening, investors linking capital to climate performance, and customers demanding emissions data, the cost of inaction is rising.

But the benefit of action is greater. A structured, evidence-based approach can help organisations move beyond discussion and begin delivering tangible results. 

In our work with businesses across a variety of sectors, we’ve seen that progress accelerates when decarbonisation is treated as a business discipline, rather than just a sustainability project. Companies that integrate carbon goals into decision-making unlock measurable efficiencies and long-term value.

Here’s how to move from strategy to measurable impact.

Get leadership on board 

Decarbonisation won’t succeed through isolated efforts. It requires broad-based support and collaboration across the entire organisation, driven by strong leadership. Clearly defined ownership, aligned with broader business objectives, ensures that decarbonisation is a strategic priority. 

Strong internal commitment sustains momentum and sends a clear signal to customers, investors, and regulators that your organisation views emissions management as a driver of long-term value.

Measure what matters

Effective decarbonisation begins with understanding your emissions baseline. Establishing a comprehensive emissions inventory covering Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (purchased energy), and Scope 3 (value chain) emissions is foundational to any credible decarbonisation strategy.

While perfect data may not be available at the outset, it is far better to begin with the available best estimates than to delay. Transparency around assumptions and the use of proxy data is essential, not only for building trust but also for demonstrating a clear commitment to improving data quality over time. The goal is to identify emissions hotspots, prioritise reduction opportunities, and prepare for evolving disclosure requirements.

Design your emissions measurement systems for scalable, ongoing use, enabling informed decision-making and consistent reporting.

Set ambitious, credible targets

Targets turn ambition into commitment. They provide direction, help prioritise actions and signal seriousness to stakeholders.

Decide early on your level of ambition, whether aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) or establishing robust internal goals tailored to your operations.

We’ve found that credible targets balance ambition with feasibility. By identifying practical carbon reduction levers, understanding the costs and benefits, and embedding targets into business planning, decarbonisation becomes a day-to-day activity, not just an external obligation.

Embed carbon into core decisions

Decarbonisation delivers the greatest impact when it’s woven into day-to-day business decisions. It should influence strategy development, procurement, capital investment, and operational planning.

Procurement teams can favour suppliers with strong emissions data and reduction plans. Capital projects should consider carbon impacts from the outset. Operational teams can optimise energy use and streamline processes to reduce both emissions and costs.

Embedding carbon considerations across the business helps mitigate market, regulatory, and reputational risks over the long term.

Build capability over time

Decarbonisation isn’t a one-off initiative. It is a discipline that depends on building internal capability and resilience.

This includes training teams, improving data systems, and refining governance structures to keep efforts on track. Pilot projects can be valuable for testing approaches, demonstrating impact, and building confidence for broader implementation.

Regular reviews ensure your strategy remains responsive to changing conditions, emerging technologies, and evolving stakeholder expectations.

How Grant Thornton can help

Wherever you are on your decarbonisation journey, we can support you in moving from planning to delivery with confidence. Our approach supports organisations in building robust emissions inventories, setting ambitious yet achievable targets, integrating climate goals into core decision-making, and strengthening governance frameworks.

We focus on delivering practical solutions that align sustainability with commercial value, helping you unlock cost efficiencies, enhance market access, and build long-term business resilience.

Talk to us about building a credible, actionable plan that drives measurable impact and positions your business for a low-carbon future.

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