Decarbonization is critical for businesses that hope to combat climate change, align with global goals, gain a competitive edge, and avoid regulatory penalties.

However, challenges persist. To achieve transformational emissions reductions, companies must rapidly develop subject matter and technical proficiency across their complex operations. Additionally, corporations must break away from traditional and linear business models to embrace circularity in the design and use of products. Such a move marks a fundamental shift in business practices.

For proactive companies, the emerging roadmaps — ones emphasizing agility, circularity, connectedness, transparency, operational efficiency, resilience, and social equity — are critical for success in a decarbonized future. These principles extend beyond the corporate sector, impacting various organized entities globally grappling with similar decarbonization barriers.

The paper meticulously examines key elements of decarbonization, including the transition to clean energy; emissions reduction; and carbon neutrality. It underscores the critical importance of decarbonization for businesses, considering factors such as growing awareness, regulatory pressures, shareholder value, economic benefits, competitive advantage, and the catalyzing role of digitalization in fostering sustainability.