At the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) Conference 2025 held at SMX Aura Convention Center, panelists urged companies to take immediate, practical action toward sustainability rather than wait for perfect conditions.

The session, titled “Getting Started with Net Zero: What’s a Credible First Step?”, featured Karthik Subramanian of ECCI, James Moore of Azolla Climate, and David Lim of Calibr8 Systems.

Each panelist described the “first step” in one word: “Start,” said Subramanian. “Health check-up,” added Moore, stressing the need for companies to assess their current state before acting. Lim emphasized “Collaborate,” pointing to the importance of teamwork within and outside organizations.

Speakers highlighted that even simple tools like Excel or Google Sheets can help track emissions, while roadmaps and advanced systems can follow once baselines are measured. “Don’t let the perfect come in the way of the good,” Subramanian said, emphasizing that small steps like conservation measures already make a difference.

Moore cautioned against overcommitting to ambitious pledges without the capacity to deliver, noting that companies failing to meet Science-Based Targets often face reputational risks. He suggested aligning with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as a credible starting point.

Lim shared that breaking down silos is key: citing that in one case, sharing energy and production data across departments of a cement factory improved efficiency through real-time collaboration. He and the other panelists also stressed the need for materiality assessments and ESG screening to align sustainability goals with stakeholders’ expectations.

The discussion also underscored the role of ISO certifications—such as ISO 14001, 50001, and 14064—in instilling a sustainability mindset and meeting client requirements. Panelists noted that cultural drivers like Filipino passion and motivation can also fuel progress.

Closing the session, the speakers agreed on a simple but powerful call: commit to measure, collaborate widely, and start now.

What do you think is the most credible first step Philippine companies should take to begin their journey to net zero?

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