04. Set environmental OKRs (Ojbectives and Key Results)
Why does it matter?
Decarbonization efforts and net-zero targets are no longer just aspirations—they’re becoming standard business imperatives, driven by evolving ESG global regulations. Beyond compliance, these efforts are crucial for safeguarding your brand’s reputation and earning stakeholder trust. They also present opportunities to create business value or save money. Whether you use OKRs or another framework to measure success, integrating environmentally focused objectives alongside your business goals ensures alignment across teams. That alignment requires that everyone in your organization is committed to those goals.
A structured approach, including carbon accounting to accurately track and manage emissions, transforms ambition into a tangible and effective emissions reduction strategy.
What can I do?
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Identify an expert in digital sustainability with clear support from leadership and with allocated resources (employees and budget)
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Research if any global regulations such as CSRD, SEC apply to your company and use case based on revenue and geographic location of the business
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Have a look at the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and its recommendation for 50% emissions reduction by 2030 (on all three scopes) with a 90% long-term target for 2040 or 2050.
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Focus on cutting emissions by 90% first, then remove or offset the remaining 10% (according to the SBTi Net Zero Standard)
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Define some inspiring climate-specific and outcome-oriented objectives (e.g. reduce digital carbon footprint by 5% by the end of the quarter)
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Embed climate-related Key Results in non-climate Objectives (e.g. reduce cloud bill as part of a profit maximization objective)
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Include an environmental input into your prioritization framework, on top of the business and user values
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Influence and speak the language of other departments to build connections and ensure alignment to your sustainability OKRs.
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Track your digital footprint, set up dashboards and monitor after each release or sprint
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Report on environmental progress and % of completion on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. It should not be any different than other Key Results.
What does success look like?
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🌍💰 A clearly articulated vision and mission underscoring commitment to societal and global challenges
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🌍 Cross-departmental participation in green initiatives
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🌍 Established targets for reduced carbon and greenhouse gas emissions
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💰 Employee retention reflecting a positive and sustainable work environment
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Employee understanding of why sustainability is good for the business
Things to consider
A lot of groundwork needs to happen before succeeding in prioritizing climate or environmental OKRs. Organize talks, raise awareness, and promote training, Set up a climate working group or a Sustainability ERG (Employee Resource Group) and Influence and collaborate with internal stakeholders to maximize your chances.
Lead by example, showcase your success, and you will organically create a buzz around this work stream.