As climate change demands urgent action, businesses must move beyond traditional methods to deliver measurable, long-term impact. edenseven, a consultancy specialised in sustainability management and carbon accounting, embraces a challenger mindset, becoming a disruptor in the sustainability space.

By using data-driven, innovative approaches and expertise across all elements of the sustainability landscape, the company helps businesses with fast and pragmatic actions toward net-zero, leading the way rather than following the crowd. We spoke with Managing Partner Pete Nisbet and Senior Partner Europe, Marcel Biesmans, to discuss the key factors in the sustainability transition and their role in it.

From Energy Pricing to Pioneering Sustainability

“My background is in global energy and carbon markets,” Pete shares. Over the years, his career evolved from pricing energy to developing and delivering decarbonisation programmes. Pete highlights that combining lower costs with greener solutions is what allows businesses to create a strong sustainability business case. “Better costs and greener solutions are what businesses value the most. Bringing them together allows organisations to build solid business cases. We can clearly see that action is needed now and that is how we support our customers.”

Data Never Lies

The industry has shifted dramatically. In the past, businesses could make vague claims about sustainability, like pledging to reach net-zero, without providing evidence. But now, companies must back up these claims with proof.

Reflecting on the changes in carbon markets over the past 25 years, Pete says, “We want to make sure we are delivering tangible outcomes for our customers, and this belief has always been at the core of how edenseven works. We want to make a difference and drive businesses forward, and we fundamentally believe that everything progresses with accurate and reliable data.”

According to Pete, businesses today need to be precise in their sustainability claims, and that requires reliable information. “Previously, we saw businesses being able to say anything and get away with it, but today things have changed. They need to be solid and precise in their statements because of commitments being made to customers or increased regulation. Data needs to be at the core of sustainability statements, which means data needs to be reliable and auditable,” Pete emphasizes. Without credible data, it is impossible for businesses to effectively manage their sustainability efforts.

Pete also stresses the role that regulatory frameworks play in shaping sustainability practices. "Compliance and regulatory frameworks are playing a constructive role in shaping the ESG we see today – in Europe and beyond,” he adds. As these regulations become more stringent, the need for reliable and transparent data will only grow stronger.

Do Not Let Perfection Get in the Way of Progress

A major issue for organisations is the lack of consistent reporting and data management. “In the UK for instance, 41% of FTSE 250 organisations do not have net-zero targets in place, as our latest report shows,” Pete says. “Many set targets but fail to achieve them due to a lack of consistent, dependable, and authentic data.” Without the right systems and processes in place, companies are unable to make informed decisions or track their progress. As Pete puts it, “The proverbial journey to net-zero isn’t perfect from day one. It’s a maturity process you have to go through. We often see that organisations are almost afraid to start the process. But perfection should not get in the way of progress, you just have to start. As consultants, we help customers get their data sets in place and create the insights needed to make informed decisions.”

Is Europe’s Net-Zero Target Realistic?

Pete is confident that data-driven decisions are the key to helping companies get a grip on their sustainability goals and stay on track with all related initiatives. “With figures and insights, a business can understand its environmental impact, which really helps in the long run,” he explains. “When we move forward with the right analytics, people will better understand sustainability and gradually learn how it works. So, their sustainable strategies do not go astray.”

However, there are challenges, especially for small businesses. Marcel points out that financial constraints and lack of reliable data are holding smaller organisations back from achieving their sustainability commitments. “But these organisations are often part of an extended supply chain, and are therefore under increased pressure to adopt strict and challenging net-zero targets,” Marcel notes.

Driving Net-Zero and Climate Action: edenseven's Dynamic Approach to Carbon Management

At edenseven, the focus is on helping firms develop carbon management plans that align with their objectives. Pete explains, “Sustainability data leads business. We spend a lot of time building carbon management plans. cero.earth’s management mindset is about helping move forward by permanently removing emissions, such as in-building management and transport decarbonisation.” edenseven supports business entities in achieving their net-zero targets by providing guidance and tools to track emissions effectively.

“You have to be dynamic in managing your data sets,” Pete adds. “On top of your project’s delivery, with frequent budget control. We help clients understand the effectiveness of projects and the impact of changes. Constantly testing scenarios—if delayed, what impact could it have? We always test and look ahead. It’s crucial for understanding emissions and P&L—both at a strategic level and operationally.” Pete also emphasizes the importance of quickly analysing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and providing clients with actionable insights to guide their decision-making. "Data and speed—this is what sets us apart," Pete adds.

Yet, we should not forget that sustainability goes far beyond just reducing carbon emissions and global warming. “When we think about differentiation, it’s more than carbon accounting,” Marcel explains. It’s about the whole journey and lifecycle. Active management across areas like waste, water, biodiversity, renewable energy, and corporate social responsibility. Sustainability reflects how we operate as a business, the impact we have on society, and the strength of our governance. We recognise this and are working on tracking our progress across the full scope.”

One Wish for Sustainability: Keep It Simple

Pete is clear with his one wish for the sustainability transition: “I’d say making the language of sustainability and ESG simple and accessible is fundamental. Right now, our industry is clouded by overcomplication, too many mixed signals about what to do and what not to do. That’s why many people struggle to grasp the concept clearly. What we need now is to cut through the jargon, simplify the message, foster more collaboration, and share it globally with everyone.”

Marcel echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of collaboration and inclusion. “If we rethink how we position communication, we need to lower the threshold for organisations, making it easier to bring everyone on board, collaborate effectively, and drive acceleration. That’s how we enable broader adoption.”

At edenseven, progress is the priority. While others may still be caught in strategy loops or chasing perfect reporting frameworks, Pete and Marcel are already working with clients to build what’s next - clearer data, faster decisions, and real action. By cutting through the noise and keeping sustainability grounded in facts, they’re helping organisations shift from ESG confusion to climate clarity. For businesses that want to stop talking and start moving, edenseven isn’t just a consultant. It’s a partner in acceleration.