Earth Day reinforces a shared global priority: building a more sustainable and resilient future. For many organizations, that commitment is taking shape through Net Zero Climate Action Plans; ambitious roadmaps designed to reduce emissions and transform operations. Turning these plans into reality requires careful coordination, data-driven decision-making, and long-term vision. Drawing on insights from PMA’s Subject Matter Expert, Jenna Ide, LEED AP, GRI, this article highlights the key challenges, practical strategies, and real-world considerations that shape successful Net Zero project delivery. Jenna is a Senior Associate in PMA’s Boston office who serves as a member of Massport’s Net Zero Capital Project Delivery team.
As Jenna explained, Massport’s Net Zero Climate Action Plan is an ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero by 2031 for greenhouse gas emissions directly controlled by Massport, such as buildings, vehicles, and purchased electricity. Massport has established a road map to reduce carbon emissions across all its facilities through tangible steps that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through five distinct pathways: 1) improving facility energy conservation and efficiency, 2) transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, 3) promoting sustainable ground transportation, 4) focusing on partnerships and community, and 5) creating a culture of sustainability and innovation.
What are the primary challenges organizations face when implementing a Net Zero Climate Action Plan?
Organizations implementing a Net Zero Climate Action Plan often face a range of challenges, from competing priorities and limited resources to unclear pathways to translate ambitious goals into actionable, funded initiatives. If Net Zero is seen as a voluntary “add–on”, then it will not compete as well against other organizational priorities. If the vision and implementation strategy are unclear, then there is no clear pathway to success. The connection between the vision and goal, and concrete projects, programs, and next steps needs to be established. Jenna recalls, “I have seen action plans that call for the actions, but do not result in any, because there is no clear owner or funding source. There is a big gap between idea/vision and a concrete study that can get implemented.” Unlike many other initiatives, Net Zero frequently requires the adoption of new technologies and processes, which adds another layer of difficulty by requiring changes to how people and systems operate.
How do you balance the immediate cost implications of sustainability initiatives with their long-term benefits?
Most projects rely on simple payback, ROI, or life–cycle cost assessments to weigh the immediate cost implications of sustainability initiatives against their long-term benefits. While many analytical tools exist to compare life cycle costs, the greater challenge lies in evaluating impacts that lack clear data points. For example, measuring the monetary value of increased productivity because you have a new, well-functioning, and efficient HVAC system can be difficult. The benefits are there, but they are not always as straightforward to quantify.
What role do analytics play in tracking progress toward Net Zero goals?
Data is critical for analyzing where you are and the possible outcomes of decisions. The best practice is to have the best possible data about your greenhouse gas emissions. The level of data granularity and the level of analytics depend on the size and complexity of the energy use and the organization managing it. For example, by understanding the fluctuations of energy demand during the day, an organization can better manage its use to reduce costs while sustaining operations. Organizations that are more sophisticated have data on space use, hours, and temperatures to better manage energy consumption and operations.
How does change management affect the success of Net Zero initiatives?
As Net Zero can rely on technologies that are new (or new to the owner), it is important to work with organizations to understand how these can be best incorporated into operations and maintenance. If operations and maintenance (O&M) are thought about late in the process, this can result in a product being used incorrectly or not properly maintained. Users of the building may not understand the systems either, leading to complaints. Commissioning, O&M, and training should be included in design packages, and owners should consider adding a year or more of full warranty and maintenance for the more complicated technology, giving the owner time to adapt to the system. Building control systems are a good example of this: the systems are set up and staff are trained, but during the year, unexpected weather, uses, or issues come up, and over committed staff may not have the resources to learn and adapt quickly to the new system during these circumstances.
What tools or methodologies most effectively monitor and report emissions reductions?
There are many different software programs to track and report reductions; some people use existing software such as Excel and Power BI; others purchase specialized software. The most important things to consider are:
A software that works for your organization, and that will be supported by IT and the organization in the long term. Integrating with existing automated systems as available and automating data entry as much as possible. Many utilities provide energy use data to owners in formats that are easily transferable.
A clear understanding of who “owns” the data, including accuracy; management of the data/reporting is required.
Regular QA/QC of data is critical, and when problems are found, making sure that the core problem is solved, not just changing the one data point.
Data systems that show value to an organization are more likely to stay in the long term. For example: systems that also track costs and opportunities for savings; systems that provide data needed for environmental reporting; and/or systems that allow visibility into performance of an asset and its systems that could affect its value.
What is the role of partnerships in achieving Net Zero goals?
Many organizations use partnerships to advance Net Zero goals, such as working with third–party solar developers, who can finance, construct, and maintain the solar installations. Other technologies also benefit from similar partnerships.
How can organizations effectively engage communities in their sustainability efforts?
Organizations should actively leverage their existing communications team, such as marketing, communications, and community outreach, to involve the community in Net Zero efforts. Leaders should deploy a variety of communication tools, including newsletters, webinars, training sessions, fact sheets, posters, and public or real-time performance displays, to clearly articulate goals, reinforce accountability, and mobilize employees and stakeholders to act.
What strategies promote cross-departmental alignment and culture shifts toward sustainability?
A critical first strategy is ensuring that leadership clearly communicates the importance, objectives, and value of sustainability. This alignment enables sustainability professionals to engage effectively with stakeholders and subject‑matter experts, helping them understand how Net Zero initiatives specifically impact their roles and responsibilities.
Because sustainability is a broad concept with implications across many functions, targeted communication is essential. Messaging should be tailored to each audience’s area of expertise. For example, discussions with maintenance staff should focus on how a project may improve maintenance outcomes. If a project introduces additional maintenance responsibilities, those impacts should be communicated transparently, with concerns acknowledged and addressed early.
Consistent and varied communication channels are also important, alongside recognizing successes and openly acknowledging lessons learned. This approach fosters trust and reinforces ongoing engagement.
Sustainability initiatives often resonate with individuals’ personal experiences and their connections to their communities and regions. Framing Net Zero efforts in terms of local benefits—such as job creation, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower pollution levels, and protection of natural resources—helps create meaningful context. As Jenna notes, “I have found that most people are enthusiastic and supportive of the transition and of new ideas; they primarily want to be heard and to collaborate on identifying the best solution for their organization.”
How can technology like AI and IoT be leveraged to support Net Zero initiatives?
Companies are developing AI tools to help track and manage energy use and predict demand surges and opportunities for mitigation. Many devices can now connect to the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling organizations to monitor and control energy use in real time. One promising development Jenna has observed is the use of AI tools to better understand the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of supply chains and building materials. These tools can identify emissions data disclosed by companies and automatically integrate that information into tracking and reporting systems.
What are the emerging trends in renewable energy adoption for large-scale facilities?
Battery energy storage and micro-grids are becoming scalable, less expensive, and address many of the issues related to time of day for solar and other renewable technologies. Renewable energy is becoming more sophisticated, in its financing, technology, integration with demand management, and coordination with long-term planning.
How do you see Net Zero goals influencing future transportation systems and infrastructure projects?
Net Zero goals already have an impact on transportation systems, from investments in public transportation, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, EV charging stations, and other activities. It is difficult to say at this point how much EVs will penetrate the US market, but charging infrastructure, particularly parking lots/garages, will become more important. EV fleets are also being explored as potential energy storage assets, capable of storing electricity generated from renewable sources and discharging it back to the grid when needed. As a result, growth in the electric vehicle market could significantly reshape the transportation sector, with many future transportation projects effectively becoming large‑scale electrical infrastructure projects as well.
Conclusion
Achieving Net Zero is not a single project, but a long-term transformation that touches every part of an organization—from capital planning and operations to culture and community engagement. Success depends on clear leadership, credible data, strong partnerships, and the ability to adapt to new technologies and ways of working. As organizations translate ambitious climate goals into actionable projects, those that invest in coordination, communication, and continuous learning will be best positioned to deliver measurable emissions reductions while strengthening resilience and long-term value.