Commit or Emit: The Sustainability Characteristics of Danish Companies with Net-Zero Pledges

Sammanfattning: This thesis explores the characteristics and sustainability strategies of Danish companies with certified climate targets and the distinction with net-zero targets. The probability of having a net-zero target is modelled with three explanatory variables – life cycle assessments (LCAs), disruptive innovation, and carbon offsetting. The study is based on survey data gathered from thirty-four sustainability directors and managers in one hundred and thirty Danish companies with certified pledges. The most innovative and disruptive companies are significantly correlated with having net-zero pledges, showing how sustainable practices as still perceived as disruptive and not as a mature market trend in itself. Having performed full product and building LCAs also has a significant association with net-zero pledges as they quantify environmental impacts. Due to carbon offsetting’s controversial nature, there is no significant association between net-zero targets and the Danish companies in any category. This thesis argues that collaboration and climate public-private partnerships (PPPs) across the Danish sustainability system are needed. Moreover, this thesis outlines strands for future research centered on Nordics and the perceived value of environmental PPPs.