Issue link: https://resources.tangoanalytics.com/i/1538218
Copyright © 2025 Tango. All rights reserved. www.tangoanalytics.com In the built environment, which is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the gap between ambition and execution is especially critical. And with 2030 climate milestones looming (including those outlined in the Paris Agreement), organizations face mounting pressure to turn strategy into action. Most of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already in use. That means the real work lies in how we operate them and not just what we build next. Whether you've already set a net zero goal or are just beginning to explore what that commitment entails, this eBook offers a practical framework to guide your next steps. We'll break down what net zero really requires, how to align with evolving science-based standards, and what execution looks like in practice. The Reality Check Climate risk is no longer simply hypothetical. Buildings are flooding. Insurance rates are climbing. ESG backlash may have slowed headlines on the matter, but the physical and financial risks of inaction are still accelerating. And the built environment, with its high emissions and long asset lifecycles, is right in the crosshairs. Net Zero in the Built Environment Introduction: Net Zero Is No Longer Optional For many companies, the first wave of net zero targets is fast approaching, while the path to meeting them remains unclear. Ambitious goals set in the early 2020s are now colliding with operational complexity, shifting regulations, and financial pressure. The clock is ticking, and expectations are shifting from high-level pledges to measurable progress. Smart businesses view net zero as a fiduciary responsibility on top of the PR flex. Investors, regulators, and tenants expect more than promises and align strongly on the side of organizations that can confidently show plans, progress, and proof of effort. Yet many companies remain stuck in an ambition loop where they announce long-term targets without the internal infrastructure to deliver on them. Others may be quietly backpedaling, citing budget pressures or stalled supplier readiness. Sustainability has stalled in some areas, but tangible, on-the-ground change is still happening. California's climate laws are moving ahead. SBTi 2.0 is tightening standards. Building performance standards are cropping up at the city and state levels. And those who wait risk paying more in fines, capital costs, or stranded assets. 1