2023 brought a wave of unique challenges – the aftermath of the global pandemic, multiple wars and humanitarian disasters in different regions, prolonged inflation and supply chain disruption all impacting unprecedented complexities, that require agile strategies, geopolitical awareness and resilience.

It may have been the most challenging operating environment for businesses in recent decades. All of this, and the resulting impact on work and life, according to a McKinsey Health Institute Survey, has led to “worker fatigue” and up to 20% of workers experiencing burnout in the UK in 2023.

The climate emergency also deepened with the world projected to reach 1.4°C above pre-industrial temperatures according to the new Provisional State of the Climate Report.

Despite many of the macroeconomic factors persisting into 2024, we are filled with optimism about the year ahead. COP28 in December 2023 delivered a landmark commitment from nearly every participating country to “transition away from fossil fuels”.

We are witnessing more UK organisations than ever before embark on their net zero journeys with growing investment, particularly when linked to strong financial return. With a revamped vision to optimise the world’s transition to net zero and beyond, we have set out our stall to maximise impact for businesses aiming to decarbonise while achieving return on investment goals.

By leveraging the full power of Optimised’s integrated service offering, spanning Carbon Impact, Utility Management and Building Optimisation, we bring more holistic and tangible decarbonisation pathways to our clients. We don’t just map out theoretical pathways based on unproven technology; we design practical solutions customised to client portfolios using marginal abatement curves to assess opportunities.

We are proud to work with over 500 organisations in the UK, all of which, through their engagement with us are directly contributing to tackling the climate emergency. In 2024 we will continue to challenge ourselves, our clients, partners, and suppliers to do more to speed up the trajectory towards net zero. To do this we are planning to:

Focus on exceptional implementation of our services in a transparent and accountable manner to ensure we deliver on intended impact.

Invest heavily in our technology offering to make the net zero journey more accessible, forward looking and interactive for our clients and their scenario planning.

Further develop our Remote Optimisation Centre (ROC) to continue to drive high performing, energy efficient buildings for our clients in the UK and abroad.

Boost our Consulting capabilities by continuing to recruit and invest in the best people in the industry, covering new challenges like scope 3, enhanced disclosure and AI.

Continue to prioritise employee wellbeing by prioritising a supportive and inclusive work culture, through enhanced communications, additional benefits, continuous reviews of flexible working options, better office facilities, and more social value and pro bono initiatives.

Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability through training programmes designed to emphasise emotional intelligence, innovation and the ability to navigate ambiguity, empowering people to thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.

Time is short. The climate emergency needs us to work together to deliver transformation decarbonisation initiatives before 2030. Our ambition is to deliver 1 million tonnes of carbon reduction in 2024. Let’s get on with it.