Net zero as a service: Assisted decarbonization

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• February 21, 2025

Insight summary

More organizations are turning to net zero as a service, from initial planning to ongoing operations, potentially opening new job paths and changing everyday spending choices. Stricter climate rules and digital platforms prompt these companies to track emissions carefully, adopt cleaner resources, and share data that could shape financing and consumer views. This expanding model also steers government policies, leading to investments in green infrastructure and debates around taxes.

Net zero as a service context

Net zero as a service is a model that helps businesses and governments manage their carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of a project, from material sourcing to ongoing operations. The building and construction industry, which accounts for 39 percent of global energy-related carbon emissions according to consultancy firm PwC, plays a substantial role by prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transparent emissions reporting. Furthermore, regulations such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) climate disclosure rules in the US and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in the European Union increase pressure on public and private organizations to measure and share their environmental impact. These factors encourage companies to track Scopes 1-3 emissions and integrate clean energy or carbon-capture technologies into their operations.

Many global stakeholders believe that net zero as a service can drive both compliance and market opportunities. Software company SAP, for example, partnered with Ambipar in 2024 to offer Net Zero as a Service, combining SAP’s enterprise resource planning and AI-enabled solutions with Ambipar’s carbon credit trading platform. Meanwhile, PwC highlighted that effective reporting of carbon footprints can give engineering and construction companies a competitive edge, especially as Scope 3 accounting becomes increasingly important. In addition, research from The World Bank indicates that 40 countries already apply carbon pricing, which suggests greater adoption of net zero services in the near term as more regions follow suit.

Net zero offerings are also expanding beyond traditional sectors to include new digital tools that aggregate emissions data and map out decarbonization strategies in real time. Some companies propose enterprise-wide sustainability systems that gather and analyze operational data, then identify efficiency measures to achieve a potential 31 percent reduction in energy intensity by 2030, according to PwC. Owners and operators may also explore carbon capture, electrification, and renewable power as part of an integrated plan, while construction firms can offer their expertise in supplying lower-carbon materials. 

Disruptive impact

Individuals may experience new types of job opportunities as more sectors turn to net zero as a service, particularly in data management or renewable energy. Additionally, they might see changes in pricing structures when purchasing everyday items, given that some companies may add fees for higher-emissions products. Moreover, as carbon-offset marketplaces grow, people could choose to compensate for their daily carbon footprint, which might become a common practice. However, some may feel rushed to adopt changes in lifestyle, raising concerns about cost and equity across different income groups.

Companies that embrace net zero as a service may diversify their offerings by integrating carbon accounting tools or advisory services. Plus, they could leverage digital monitoring systems to improve operational efficiency, leading to better resource use and cost savings in the long run. However, organizations may need to allocate significant budgets to new technologies, data gathering, and workforce training to comply with evolving emission standards. Those that do not adapt may lose ground to rivals that invest in these growth areas.

Governments may provide fresh policy directions that support large-scale carbon management efforts, including investment in green infrastructure or collaborations for carbon capture. They could also rework tax incentives to spur businesses that supply transparent emission data and resource-efficient solutions. Moreover, some public agencies may explore global alliances that fund net zero projects, possibly affecting trade balances or diplomatic relations. However, budgetary constraints or political disagreements might stall certain initiatives, leading to varied progress across cities or regions.

Implications of net zero as a service

Wider implications of net zero as a service may include: 

• Cross-industry alliances forming to exchange carbon ledger practices, leading to more consistent data flows across diverse supply chains.
• Environmental activism expanding to demand real-time net zero performance metrics, leading to greater scrutiny on corporate disclosures.
• Financial institutions offering lower interest rates to net zero service adopters, leading to shifts in business financing structures.
• Workers gaining specialized skill sets in carbon measurement and digital traceability, leading to new career pathways in technical fields.
• Land use regulations evolving to encourage low-carbon construction, leading to rezoning decisions that favor sustainable development.
• Cloud computing platforms integrating net zero modules as add-ons, leading to widespread adoption of carbon management tools across industries.
• Nation-states revising trade agreements to account for emissions tracking, leading to tariffs on goods that do not meet certain sustainability thresholds.
• Communities experiencing shifts in property values as buyers gravitate toward net zero-certified homes, leading to changing real estate markets.
• Cybersecurity concerns emerging around net zero data platforms, leading to specialized security protocols to safeguard sensitive emissions information.
• Political debates intensifying over the fairness of new net zero taxes, leading to polarized discussions on how to balance economic growth with sustainability.

Questions to consider

• In what ways could net zero offerings transform your future career choices or spending habits?
• Which everyday activities might influence your personal carbon impact, and how might you adjust them?