Q&A: ACT Group CEO Colin Crooks on Corporate Decarbonization

"From your conversations with global clients, what are the biggest barriers businesses face in setting and achieving sustainability goals? "

I think most large clients and their boards recognize that climate change is real, and the energy transition needs to happen. They want to be part of that — for many reasons. Their customers may be demanding it, they may be legally obligated, or they may genuinely believe it's the right thing to do. 

So, the intention is often there. The bigger challenge is: how do you do it? Most companies are not experts in energy, carbon, or decarbonization. So, how do you make informed choices? What targets are ambitious yet credible and achievable? And, crucially, how much will it cost? 

There’s a tension between wanting to be bold — to say, "We’ll be net zero by 2030" — and not knowing how to get there, what the journey entails, or how much it might cost. That uncertainty is the biggest barrier: understanding what’s needed to set meaningful targets and then confidently committing to them. 

 "Where do you think most companies are stuck today in their decarbonization journey, and why? "

A lot of the easier wins have already been done — things like energy efficiency projects or buying renewable electricity or biomethane. After that, it gets more difficult. How do you handle embedded carbon? Are you still dealing with Scope 1 and 2, or are you moving into Scope 3? 

Even within Scope 1 and 2, once the simple measures are taken, companies are left with the harder-to-abate emissions. Do you invest in decarbonizing your manufacturing facilities? Is that the best use of capital? Or do you offset? And then there’s the complexity of the supply chain, where most companies’ emissions reside — Scope 3, either upstream or downstream. 

It’s already tough to manage your own emissions. It’s exponentially harder to understand and influence emissions across hundreds or thousands of suppliers and customers. 

 "What strategic role do you see corporate decarbonization playing in business resilience and competitiveness today? "

A very significant role. First, because climate change is real and we all have a responsibility to mitigate its impacts. If your business has a large carbon footprint or operates in an area exposed to climate risk, your resilience is on the line. Inaction could result in losing the trust and support of key stakeholders or even putting your license to operate at risk. 

From a competitive standpoint, there are three key lenses. 

First, customer relevance. Consumers — particularly younger ones — want to support companies that align with their values. As long as it’s affordable, they prefer businesses that are taking meaningful climate action. 

Second, cost. Initially, decarbonization was seen as a cost center. But many of the steps toward net zero also drive operational efficiency and cost savings — in some cases, they pay for themselves. 

Third, employee value proposition. People want to work for companies that reflect their values and are taking real climate action. So, when you look at it from the perspectives of customers, employees, and business fundamentals, decarbonization becomes a clear strategic priority. 

 "What makes ACT uniquely positioned to help companies act across Scope 1, 2, and 3 with a single integrated approach? "

We’ve built global capabilities over the past 15 years, from sourcing environmental products to developing renewable energy and nature-based projects. We support companies across all scopes, including hard-to-abate and supply chain emissions, through both physical and digital solutions. That includes energy efficiency programs, carbon offsets, biomethane, and regenerative agriculture. With over 200 products across 80 countries, we deliver tailored, scalable solutions backed by deep market access. 

Our digital decarbonization platform, act50, helps companies — and their suppliers — measure emissions, meet compliance requirements, and take action directly. It’s a unique platform that allows anyone, regardless of size or location, to purchase renewable electricity certificates matched to where they use energy.  

"From your experience working with C-suite leaders, how have you seen perceptions shift, if at all, around decarbonization as a strategic, financial, and reputational priority?" 

I haven’t seen a decline in commitment. If anything, there’s greater urgency. 2030 might sound far away, but making real progress requires action now. Trees in nature-based projects need time to grow. Infrastructure changes take years to plan and implement. So, 2030 is actually just around the corner. 

Many companies have made public commitments to net zero by 2030 or 2040. There’s real pressure to deliver on those promises, and I see leaders taking that seriously. More and more leaders are turning their attention to Scope 3. Many now have a clear plan for Scope 1 and 2, and they're ready to tackle the more complex — but critical — emissions in their value chains.  

"What message would you give to leaders who aren’t yet treating climate action as a strategic opportunity? "

I would encourage all leaders to reflect on the implications of climate change — arguably the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced — and ask themselves what they can do to be part of the solution. 

We’ll be judged by future generations not only by our intentions but by our actions. Today’s decisions need to meet tomorrow’s expectations. If you shift your perspective—from climate action being a burden to it being a source of competitive advantage—the opportunity becomes clear. Setting bold, credible climate goals is not just the right thing to do; it’s a smart, strategic business opportunity. So, I encourage them to act on it. 

ACT is your decarbonization partner. Get support on your journey today.