Over 80% of US Companies Are Building Net-Zero Programmes, Survey Shows

According to a new survey conducted by EcoOnline, an ESG and EHS solutions provider, over 80% of U.S. companies with revenues exceeding $500 million are advancing their net-zero programs, even before the formal implementation of new climate regulations.

The survey’s results are a clear indicator of the growing commitment among major U.S. corporations to sustainability, transcending mere compliance with impending legislation. As California prepares to enforce two significant climate measures — SB 253 and SB 261 — the survey shows that companies are not waiting for the legal framework to be fully enacted before taking substantial action.

California’s Climate Measures

Introduced in late 2023, California’s SB 253 and SB 261 represent a significant shift in corporate climate accountability. SB 253 will require companies with over $1 billion in annual revenues to disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with fines reaching up to $500,000 for non-compliance.

SB 261, on the other hand, mandates that companies with revenues exceeding $500 million report climate-related financial risks, subject to penalties of up to $50,000 per incident.

Survey Findings and Corporate Response

EcoOnline’s survey, carried out via Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), reveals that a remarkable 80% of surveyed companies are already developing net-zero programs. Notably, 0% of respondents indicated they were waiting for legislation before establishing sustainability programs or teams.

“Our survey highlights a critical tipping point where U.S. companies are boldly moving beyond reactive compliance and penalty avoidance, embracing sustainability as a powerful engine for growth,” said Tom Goodmanson, CEO of EcoOnline. “While they are committed to these initiatives, the specifics of how they will achieve their goals remain uncertain. This underscores the need for clear strategies and robust technology solutions to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and drive meaningful impact.”

Corporate Leadership and Budget Allocations

The survey further reveals that 73% of respondents view sustainability as a driver for revenue growth, while 94% see it as a key factor in enhancing brand value. A substantial portion, 85%, plans to increase their sustainability budgets within the next three years. Despite this, only 25% of companies have their budgets fully funded and prioritized by the C-Suite and board.

In terms of cost allocation, 25% of companies are managing sustainability efforts within existing budgets, while 40% have designated specific budgets for these initiatives. Additionally, 84% of respondents are investing in dedicated or purpose-built sustainability software to aid in regulatory compliance.

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Strategic and Technological Advances

The emphasis on technology as a facilitator of sustainability goals is evident, with many companies turning to specialized software solutions to streamline compliance and performance reporting. As a Director of Environmental, Health & Safety noted:

“Software solutions that automate the collection, analysis, and reporting of environmental, social, and governance data can help us comply with regulations, meet investor expectations, and communicate our sustainability performance more effectively.”

Looking Ahead

As U.S. companies continue to integrate sustainability into their core operations and strategic goals, the challenge will be to maintain momentum and ensure that their sustainability programs are both effective and adaptable to changing regulations. The full insights from the survey are detailed in EcoOnline’s “2024 U.S. Sustainability Readiness Report,” which offers a comprehensive analysis of how companies can navigate the new climate regulations and leverage sustainability for long-term success.