What ’ s holding businesses back from achieving net zero targets ?
According to IBM ’ s recent ESG Conundrum survey , 72 % of businesses agree that ESG needs to be a higher priority in their organisation . Yet , getting there requires a major mindset shift – and a commitment to overcoming the barriers holding efforts back . We can narrow it down to three key areas :
• Bad intel : Inadequate data is the number one barrier quoted by executives to advance their ESG agenda . Data is needed to provide visibility into an organisation ’ s operations , letting leaders see where the business is succeeding – and where performance has fallen behind . ESG and net zero goals for the future lose their significance if they aren ’ t tied to current performance data .
• Standards : With more than 600 reporting provisions globally , each offering its own interpretation of sustainability and social responsibility , it can create confusion and challenges in assessing ESG from every angle .
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• Stakeholder visibility : Executives are being pressured from business partners , board members , investors and creditors to provide greater transparency around ESG initiatives . There is growing frustration that goals are not connected to credible action plans and clearer signs of progress . an average area of 50km2 each , with a total investment of US $ 500bn . Together with IBM ’ s support , the aim is to leverage data from the ocean and technology , to take the project to the next level .
It is therefore clear that IBM views technology as a critical enabler to achieving ESG and net zero goals – both internally and externally .
106 September 2023