Zettawatts’ Greening the Grid Report 2025: How U.S. Companies Are Climbing Toward Carbon-Free Electricity
- Caroline Cascio
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
In the accelerating race to combat climate change, corporate sustainability has become more than a buzzword. It’s now a business imperative. In Zettawatts’ recently released 2025 report, Greening the Grid, we paint a clear picture of how U.S. companies are tackling the challenge of decarbonization, particularly focusing on Scope 2 emissions.
Based on a survey of sustainability leaders sent out in Fall 2024, the report categorizes companies into three groups based on their progress toward reducing emissions: Trailblazers, Early Adopters, and those Behind the Curve. Each group offers unique insights into corporate climate readiness and where urgent progress is needed.
📊 Who’s Leading and Who’s Lagging?
Trailblazers (29%) are setting the pace with clear, ambitious goals, often aiming for full decarbonization by 2030 or earlier.
Early Adopters (29%) are making strides, disclosing emissions and exploring renewables, but face obstacles like inconsistent data and unclear deadlines.
Behind the Curve (36%) struggle with basic emissions tracking and lack clear climate goals. Only 4% have set specific targets.
While a third of companies are forging ahead, the majority are still finding their footing or stuck at base camp.
🔌 The Decarbonization Battleground
Scope 2 emissions from electricity use account for a significant chunk of corporate carbon footprints. Companies surveyed aim to reduce these emissions by an average of 51%, with many targeting 100% clean energy by 2030.
However, “clean energy” is a moving target. Definitions vary across companies, with solutions ranging from:
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
On-site solar and wind installations
High-impact off-site contracts like PPA, VPPAs, and Additionality RECs
Green tariffs with utilities
Cost, operational constraints, and a lack of internal expertise remain major hurdles, particularly for smaller firms and those renting space.
🧩 Transparency = Accountability
The report confirms a strong link between public disclosure and climate action:
54% of companies disclose their carbon footprint annually.
67% of companies with defined goals also make them public.
69% host sustainability information on their websites.
But there’s a major transparency gap: 25% of surveyed companies don’t disclose emissions at all, and only some of those measuring Scope 2 emissions actually publish the results.
💼 Why Employees Matter
Among Trailblazers, employee engagement is just as critical as implementation. Companies with dedicated sustainability teams report more accurate data and stronger internal alignment.
62% communicate sustainability regularly with staff.
69% of companies with sustainability staff report higher confidence in emissions tracking.
A culture of shared responsibility appears essential to turning climate ambition into measurable results.
🧭 What's Next? From Roadmaps to Real Progress
To help more companies advance up the “sustainability mountain,” the report recommends:
Support for smaller businesses, including incentives and partnerships
Standardized tools to measure, visualize, and validate progress
Clearer guidance on renewable energy investments and Scope 2 accounting
We also found a need for more sector-specific research, especially around the effectiveness of RECs and the evolving challenges in complex electricity markets.
Climbing Toward Net Zero, Together
The Greening the Grid report underscores an essential truth that the road to net-zero emissions is not linear, and companies are at vastly different points along the path, but the goal is shared and achievable.
Trailblazers show what’s possible with commitment, investment, and leadership. Early Adopters need support to scale. And those Behind the Curve must be brought into the fold with urgency and empathy. Corporate America is not just greening the grid, it’s redefining what it means to be a responsible, forward-thinking business in the age of climate change.
Thank You!
Special thanks to Techonomy for their invaluable support throughout this research process. Their commitment to fostering dialogue around innovation, sustainability, and technology has been instrumental in shaping this report.
If you are interested in exploring our findings in more depth and engaging with other forward-thinking leaders, we encourage you to join Techonomy at NYC Climate Week, taking place September 21–28, 2025.