If Net Zero was Netflix, would you know what to watch next?

Too many Net Zero choices?

A study a couple of years back suggested that people spend an average of 18 minutes choosing something new to watch on Netflix. That sounds about right, although sometimes I bet, we all spend longer!

We’ve all been there, scrolling through movies and TV shows, never quite settling on something to play next. And that’s just on one platform. Multiply that out by the variety of subscriptions we all have running at any one time, and the supposedly relaxing act of enjoying entertainment suddenly becomes a high-stress exercise in decision-making.

The issue is, we’re spoilt for choice. There’s just too much on offer, and instead of being a benefit, the volume of options becomes paralysing.

Now try it with the pathway to Net Zero.

Progress paralysis.

I hear from people all the time that the abundance of choice in ‘Net Zero solutions’ is what is putting them off from making decisions and taking steps forward.

Should they start with installing solar on the roof?

Or look at the latest heat exchange technology?

Or turn to LED lighting, in lieu of turning the lights off?

So much choice, and yet so many organisations stuck in the mud with no clue what to do next.

Informed choices need a starting point.

My first question, every time, is “what’s your baseline?”

The right pathway to reach Net Zero must begin with an accurate view of where you currently are, so understanding your baseline – your existing carbon impact – gives you a clear level to work from. Setting staged targets, mapping out the pathway to each, and identifying the low hanging fruit within your energy strategy (like procuring zero carbon energy and introducing efficiencies to reduce usage) all come from an understanding of the baseline. It also allows you to demonstrate the impact of each step you go on to take, so you know the strategy is working.

Then, when you are able to take bigger, bolder steps like investing in on-site generation for example, you’re doing so from a place of knowledge and understanding. Choices become easier when they are underpinned by insight.

So, what to watch tonight?

What’s this got to do with your evening entertainment?

Well, beyond giving you a few recommendations of stuff I’ve enjoyed recently, think about your own baseline when you’re next choosing what to watch.

How do you feel?

Are you in a happy mood and fancy building on that with some comedy?

Are you feeling adventurous and might find a drama or thriller piques your interest?

Or have you had a busy day, and you need nothing more than a comfort watch; one of your favourites you’ll rewatch again and again, and never tire of?

Starting with your baseline might just improve your ability to pick!

Of course, choosing a film or TV show is infinitely easier than driving progress towards Net Zero, but the fundamentals aren’t that different. Cutting through choice by knowing where to begin can save you precious time to relax each evening, and can help you start, and accelerate, your Net Zero pathway.

Article written by Jo Robinson, Director of Client Services.