Blog Layout

Navigating the road to net zero: emission reduction targets for Australasian businesses

During the 2015 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Paris Agreement it was agreed that to mitigate global warming in the second half of the century, the global average temperature needs to stay below 2C above pre-industrial levels, with a preferred limit of 1.5C. To achieve this goal carbon dioxide emissions must be halved by 2030 and net-zero emissions reached by 2050 to restrict global warming.


Why not 2C? Why is the 1.5C an important limit?

Research into the impact of a 1.5C warming and a 2C warming (reported in the IPCC’s Special Report on Global Warming) shows how every fraction of a degree has consequences. The 0.5C increment represents harsh differences:


·        Losing 70% of the world’s coral, or 99%.

·        The Arctic Ocean being devoid of ice every 100 years, or every 10.

·        Water being scarce for 271 million people, or 288 million.


1.5C was decided as a relatively sufficiently safe limit to future global warming that even the small island states and the least developed countries could achieve within the timeframe.


What is the current global temperature increase in 2023?


The average global temperature has increased by at least 1.1C since 1880. The raise of 1.1C has caused the world to experience emissions-linked climate damage – punishing heatwaves, storms, droughts, and bushfires –which will only become more extreme as we hit 1.5C. Our existing fossil fuel infrastructure, behaviours and business practices are more than enough to push the world beyond 1.5C of global heating.


How to start the journey to net zero

Individual governments, international organisations, and consumers are all pushing for businesses to take responsibility and action for their environmental impact. Reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint and embracing sustainability services are likely already on the agenda, and DETA have an experienced team of energy and sustainability consultants in NZ/Australia to make the journey to net zero both seamless and effective. 



The road to Net Zero - DETA


Adopt a sustainability mindset in the company

With Australasia businesses’ strong reliance on traditional energy sources, transitioning towards cleaner more sustainable options can be challenging for businesses. Sustainability and risk management are intrinsically linked which explains occasional resistance to a robust carbon management strategy being implemented. However, DETA provide a unique set of expertise sustainability project delivery and consulting services that look beyond short-term financial results, focusing on long-term performance.


Carbon footprint management and reduction is no longer a fringe position, it is mainstream. This is an opportunity to involve and engage key stakeholders and members from all levels of the company with a continuous improvement mindset on their shared journey to sustainability.

 

Energy audit and management

Understanding where your organisation is at now in terms of emissions and the carbon footprint is crucial for several important reasons:


1.    Identifies the best methods for effective monitoring and reporting.

2.    Identifies areas of inefficiency.

3.    Determines a reduction target.

4.    Informs the carbon management strategy.

5.    Influences your organisation’s energy management and new carbon reduction policy.

6.    Sets the benchmark for future measurement and monitoring of progress.


The call for emission reduction is growing louder, and Australasian businesses are heeding the call by setting ambitious net-zero targets. Energy consultants, sustainability consultants, and ESG consultants are crucial partners on this journey, offering specialised expertise that is vital for meeting these targets. By adopting energy-efficient practices, embracing sustainability principles, and implementing comprehensive carbon management strategies, businesses in Australasia are contributing to a greener future while reaping the benefits of reduced operational costs and enhanced brand reputation.



If your business is located in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, or the Pacific, and you are looking for a clear pathway to net zero, contact DETA  to explore how we can help you achieve your goals.

A small plant is growing out of a wooden stump.
21 March 2025
Today's business environment is nothing short of volatile, companies across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges. One area of challenge is energy prices. In Australia, wholesale electricity prices have risen 50% over the last two years due to coal outages, rising gas costs, and network limits. In contrast, New Zealand’s electricity prices have seen only a slight increase, however they have the potential to follow Australia’s example over the next few years on the back of the current thermal fuel challenges, increasing demand, and the changing generation mix. As well as the rise in energy prices, supply chain disruptions continue to affect operations, and regulatory requirements around carbon emissions grow increasingly stringent. These pressures are becoming fundamental business risks, often in combination with each other. Any work that has the potential to address these pressures would seem to be a no brainer to complete, yet many organisations still treat energy audits as mere ‘tick-the-box’ exercises rather than an opportunity to strategically assess energy use and business processes. DETA, a leading team of energy consultants in Australia and NZ , is changing this paradigm by transforming traditional energy audits into powerful tools for building genuine business resilience. When approached strategically, energy audits can help organisations not just reduce their energy usage and costs, or comply with current standards, but also future-proof their operations against an evolving energy landscape. The evolving energy landscape The business environment has fundamentally shifted in recent years. Energy can no longer be considered as an overhead cost; it’s evolved to become a strategic consideration with far-reaching implications. Fluctuating energy markets have made budgeting increasingly difficult, while supply uncertainties - particularly for natural gas in manufacturing - threaten operational continuity. Meanwhile, investors, customers, and employees are demanding greater environmental responsibility and transparent ESG commitments. These escalating pressures create significant vulnerabilities for unprepared businesses. Forward-thinking organisations have recognised that energy management in Australia and NZ isn't simply about reducing utility bills—it's about competitive advantage when employed well at a strategic level. Companies without a coherent energy strategy find themselves perpetually reactive, addressing each new challenge as it arises rather than building systematic resilience. 
A man and a woman are standing next to each other in front of wind turbines.
10 March 2025
Learn to build a practical roadmap to energy efficiency, from audits to strategic actions, for sustainable, cost-effective, & long-term energy savings.
11 February 2025
Learn how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint with effective sustainability strategies. Discover eco-friendly practices for a greener future.
Show More
Share by: