Net zero and decarbonisation
Net zero isn’t a distant goal, it’s a business imperative. The sooner you act, the stronger your position in a low-carbon economy.
Support to achieve net zero
Ricardo can support you to accelerate your net zero transition across scopes 1, 2 and 3 with practical, evidence-based solutions. We partner with organisations across a wide range of sectors to deliver tailored net zero strategies, emissions reduction pathways, and implementation support. Whether you're just starting or refining your approach, we help you move from ambition to action.
Achieving net zero is no longer optional, it’s essential for resilience and growth. Organisations face mounting pressure from regulators, investors and customers to demonstrate credible climate action. But ambition alone isn’t enough. Success requires a clear strategy, practical solutions, clear implementation plans and the ability to measure and report progress.
Ricardo offers end-to-end support across the full decarbonisation journey. From strategy development and technical delivery to supply chain engagement and regulatory compliance, we help clients plan for and achieve their net zero ambitions.
We support clients to answer critical questions:
- What’s our current greenhouse gas inventory and where are the hotspots?
- How do we stay compliant with evolving regulations?
- How do we ensure effective disclosure in schemes such as SECR, CDP, Ecovadis and others?
- What decarbonisation targets should we set, and could we achieve science-based targets?
- What’s our most cost-effective path to net zero?
- What cost savings could I achieve through decarbonisation actions?
- How do we cut emissions in our supply chain?
- What technologies and interventions will deliver the biggest impact?
How we help you to achieve your net zero ambitions
Robust carbon reporting is the foundation of credible climate action. Ricardo supports clients in developing GHG inventories, meeting regulatory obligations and engaging suppliers to reduce emissions across the value chain. Our methodologies align with global standards and help clients move from compliance to impact.
We help organisations to build credible, science-aligned net zero strategies and translate them into action across operational emissions and scope 3. Our support spans emissions modelling, target setting (including science-based targets), roadmap development, and site-level interventions. We work with clients to prioritise measures, assess feasibility, and implement cost-effective solutions that deliver measurable impact.
We provide hands-on support to help organisations like yours to implement their net zero and decarbonisation strategies. Our technical teams work across areas such as heat, power, waste and transport to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions that reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.
We offer:
- Feasibility studies and technical diagnostics: We assess energy efficiency, electrification, heating and transport options to identify the most viable and impactful solutions.
- Investment case development: We provide detailed analysis of capital, replacement and operational costs to support confident decision-making and board-level approval.
- Procurement and delivery support: We assist with contractor engagement, procurement strategy and contract management to ensure smooth implementation.
- On-site secondments and project management: Our experts can embed within your teams to drive delivery, monitor progress and troubleshoot challenges.
- Funding and innovation support: We help clients explore traditional and alternative funding routes, including innovation grants and collaborative programmes.
Our breadth of expertise across energy systems, infrastructure and sustainability enables us to evaluate all options and guide clients toward the most effective path to implementation aligned to their investment plan.
For many clients, we act as long-term sustainability partners, guiding them through strategy, implementation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. We can tailor support to your organisation’s needs and pace. We can deliver a full end-to-end support service or fill the gaps, as required, in your team's capability or capacity including:
- planning or undertaking specific tasks,
- reviewing and validating your plans, data and disclosures and
- building capacity in your team.
Areas of support include:
Carbon reporting: Creating assurance-ready GHG inventories and identifying emission hotspots.
Net zero strategy: Building and updating science-aligned plans and turning them into action.
Scope 3 decarbonisation: Supporting value chain emissions reduction through supplier engagement and circular strategies.
Implementation: Delivering technical support across energy, transport, buildings, and waste.
Governance: Strengthening internal capability through training and accountability frameworks.
Net zero and decarbonisation Resources
