Many of us love the idea of running a marathon, even if we never get close to realising the ambition. For organisations across the UK the marathon that is Net Zero is a race they have no option but to take part in, whether they feel they have trained hard enough or even have any idea how to get up off the sofa and take the first step. But determination and training aside, nobody would be foolish enough to run a marathon – or set out on the route to Net Zero – in trainers that don’t fit, would they?
Ryan O’Neill, chief strategy officer at Equity Energies discusses why so many organisations across the UK feel hamstrung in their Net Zero progress and looks at why a fundamental ‘good fit’ is what will unleash the performance needed to win the race.
Would you run a marathon in the wrong sized trainers?
Running a marathon is no small feat. Yet, it’s possible for anyone, even those who consider themselves unfit or have no running experience.
I’m not a marathon expert (I haven’t run one yet), but like any goal, there’s a basic approach to getting there. In the case of running 26.21 miles, you need to focus on two things:
- Ambition and Attitude – You must want to do it and believe you’ll finish. It’s no surprise that longer-distance running tends to be taken up by older people, as life experience and mental fortitude bring determination.
- Technique and Training – It takes hard work to be ready, focusing on form and technique, getting your stride and breathing right, and building stamina and resilience through regular training.
Starting with no running experience to finishing a marathon seems simple enough; I’ve almost convinced myself to sign up. There’s a lot of work involved, but it is possible. Even those with some running experience must commit to a plan that incorporates these elements to be fully prepared.
Yet, there’s one more thing to consider. You wouldn’t run a marathon in trainers that don’t fit, would you?
A Different Finish Line
Okay, I’m not planning on running a marathon soon. But the analogy is useful when thinking about a different journey—reaching Net Zero.
From an organisational perspective, you might be starting with no experience or could be making progress but are still nervous about the full journey. Regardless, the same two elements matter.
- Ambition and Attitude – There is widespread awareness of the importance of reaching Net Zero from an environmental perspective, alongside understanding the positive commercial impact. This often translates into a strong ambition to get started or to signal intention through setting carbon reduction targets.
- Technique and Training – For many organisations, reaching Net Zero involves complex layers, as any pathway must be commercially viable and maintain business continuity. Understanding your starting point, identifying options, and setting out a (training) plan to work up to the goal is crucial.
On paper, it seems straightforward, but many organisations find it complex to the point of inaction. One of the biggest challenges is embracing the fact that there’s no single pathway to Net Zero. Every organisation is different and needs a unique plan to succeed. While the goal is equality — everyone reaching Net Zero and unlocking its value — each organisation requires a different approach to get there.
Getting the Size Right
If equality is giving everyone new trainers, equity would be making sure each pair of trainers fits. Without that simple nuance, the first step taken on your jog, let alone the marathon that follows, isn’t going to feel that great.
It’s the same when it comes to organisations embarking on the journey to Net Zero. We know there is no one-size-fits-all Net Zero solution, yet there’s still an expectation that people and the organisations they represent can easily choose a path and stick to it, even when they’re being bombarded with information and options, each claiming to be the silver bullet.
Just grab the first pair of trainers you see and get running. What could possibly go wrong?
For any Net Zero pathway to be a success, it needs to be equitable – designed and implemented in a way that responds to the organisation’s own unique requirements. And when those requirements change, or the options available to support progress evolve, the pathway needs to change too. A runner won’t think twice to adapting their unique training plan based on how they are feeling, the progress they’re making, and any obstacles they encounter.
It’s worth getting it right. Just like any runner will tell you, once you start to feel the benefits, it’s hard to stop. The right Net Zero pathway unlocks commercial, environmental and societal value, and will become an ongoing catalyst for organisational performance.
You only need to take the first step.
Finisher Medals All Round
The joy of finishing a marathon shouldn’t be reserved for Olympians and professional athletes, and progress on Net Zero shouldn’t be reserved for large corporations or those with ample resources. After all, it is the 50,000+ amateur runners in the London Marathon who, combined, create the most significant impact on personal health, wellbeing, and charity fundraising.
Success will come when every organisation in the UK can move forward in a way that matches their unique requirements, unlocking the benefits of action.
Equality through equity? Now that’s something worth tying your laces up for.
This article appeared in the September 2024 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.