Towards net-zero

: exploring greenhouse gas emission data utilization and integration in strategic decision-making for corporate decarbonization

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of organizations in combating climate change through decarbonization. It studies the utilization and integration of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission data in firms’ strategic decision-making processes. The study identifies a five-step process and internal and external influencing factors. 15 exploratory interviews with 16 industry sustainability experts and consultants were subject to a qualitative data analysis following the Gioia methodology, yielding several key findings. The findings confirm previous research on carbon accounting identifying sound and granular corporate carbon footprint calculations as the prerequisite for integrating GHG emission data in strategic decision-making towards decarbonization. Findings suggest that predominantly formal carbon management control systems guide organizational action and decision-making towards decarbonization goals. Voluntary decarbonization standards, namely the Science Based Targets initiative, and regulatory pressure appear to be additional critical enablers of the identified process. The study empirically shows five organizational application fields of the process: exploitation of energy efficiencies, adjustments to products, portfolios, and business models, as well as novel approaches to development, sourcing decisions, and supplier development. The study highlights the importance of integrating informal carbon management systems to complement formal ones, ensuring alignment of corporate goals, establishing a cohesive GHG data management system, leveraging guidance from the Science Based Targets initiative, and addressing accounting uncertainties to support strategic decarbonization efforts.

Date of Award	28 Jun 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Filipa Andrêa Godinho de Lancastre Serpa Pinto (Supervisor)