Interview Questionnaire for Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO, Global Network for Zero (GNFZ)
1. The Vision Behind Global Network for Zero
a. Can you share the founding vision behind Global Network for Zero and how it addresses the critical need for net-zero emissions in today’s climate?
The Global Network for Zero (GNFZ) was founded to make net zero emissions accessible, affordable, and achievable for all, offering a one-solution-fits-all framework that supports businesses, governments, and organizations of any size. By providing certification and clear guidance, GNFZ addresses the critical need for urgent climate action, helping entities reduce carbon emissions while ensuring accountability and measurable progress toward a sustainable future. As the world’s leading net zero certification body, GNFZ is dedicated to overcoming traditional barriers to decarbonization. Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations to embark on their sustainability journeys from any starting point and work toward achieving net zero. We emphasize the importance of incrementalism, which we believe is crucial in making net zero attainable for everyone.
Our comprehensive platform enables organizations to calculate their building or portfolio’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, identify effective strategies to reach their targets sooner, certify their net zero achievements, and receive ongoing support throughout the process. We are actively working with buildings across the U.S., India, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to transition them to net zero.
b. What inspired you to transition from your leadership roles in the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) to founding GNFZ?
My experiences with USGBC, GBCI, Arc and GRESB played a pivotal role in shaping GNFZ’s approach to effective market transformation. We noticed the issues that the market was facing in implementation and created our product to break down these barriers. However, we didn’t want to release just another program or replicate what others were doing: We aimed to create something that could scale and bring about lasting change. 
When founding GNFZ, we first conducted market research to identify the unique value proposition we could bring to the existing buildings market. We had extensive conversations with trusted veteran industry leaders and carefully listened to the issues they were grappling with. What we heard was that progress wasn’t hindered by a lack of technology or programs, but rather a lack of ROI data to make the business case for transitioning existing buildings to net zero, along with a realistic roadmap they could leverage to accelerate their progress over time.
This led us to build a network of like-minded professionals working together to accelerate a zero emissions world. We knew we needed to create a platform with data built into it from the beginning, serving as the driving force to start building that ROI story. As a result, we have curated our platform and certification to address the specific issues these professionals face in implementing sustainable practices.
2. Barriers to Decarbonisation
a. What are some of the most significant barriers you’ve seen businesses face in their journey toward net-zero, and how does GNFZ help them overcome these hurdles?
The biggest hurdles continue to be planning and implementation. We haven’t seen many credible net zero transition plans yet, especially ones that take an honest accounting of Scope 3 emissions (this is one of the biggest value propositions of GNFZ and our global network of experts). As more projects go through our platform, we’ll use that data to demonstrate what a successful plan entails. On the implementation side, we’re seeing commitments to net zero, but progress is slow. This is evident with buildings – only about 0.23% of buildings worldwide are net zero. It’s a stark reminder of how far we have to go.
There are other issues too. Upfront investment costs are a barrier for many businesses, especially in attaining experienced subject matter experts. Many companies lack in-house expertise to plan and execute net zero strategies. Making the business case is also tough since we still don’t have great ROI data. Carbon accounting is another problem area. Dealing with supply chain emissions (Scope 3) is another hurdle as value chain emissions are harder to control. Many companies also deal with internal stakeholder resistance which can slow progress. And there are inconsistencies in methodologies, which can lead to confusion.
If you’re getting started, I always recommend using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol to conduct an emissions inventory so you can begin to put together a quality strategic plan.
GNFZ helps businesses overcome decarbonization barriers by providing a clear, structured framework that is adaptable for organizations of any size. We offer practical tools and certification processes that make the path to net zero both accessible and achievable. GNFZ also supports companies by fostering collaboration, offering expert guidance, and ensuring accountability through measurable milestones.
b. Given your extensive experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, what are the key differences in how these sectors approach ESG and net-zero targets?
3. Independent Certification and the GHG Protocol
a. GNFZ offers independent certification based on the GHG Protocol. How does this framework provide flexibility for businesses and communities to meet their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions goals?
GNFZ’s independent certification, based on the GHG Protocol, provides businesses and communities with a flexible framework to address Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by offering tailored guidance suited to their specific operations. This approach allows organizations to adapt strategies that fit their unique carbon footprint, making it easier to track and reduce direct, indirect, and value-chain emissions. By focusing on transparency and providing clear action steps, GNFZ helps entities meet their emissions goals efficiently, regardless of size or industry.
b. What are the core components of the GNFZ certification process, and how does it ensure credibility and transparency for businesses aiming for net-zero?
- 1. Initiate: Conduct an assessment and develop a plan to reach net zero emissions.
- 2. Implement: Implement strategies, achieve milestone certificates along the way and ultimately reach net zero status.
- 3. Sustain: Submit annual documentation to maintain your net zero status.
We rely on third-party reviewers to ensure accuracy of project submissions, to check a project’s documentation against GNFZ’s guidelines upon submission, and certify the project’s net zero status. Reviewers are compensated based on a project-by-project fee.
4. Incremental Progress Toward Net Zero
a. Unlike the "all or nothing" approach, GNFZ advocates for incremental progress. Can you explain how this approach benefits businesses and accelerates the journey to net-zero?
One of the major advantages of GNFZ is our incremental approach to achieving net zero emissions. This means that, regardless of the scale or size of a business, we guide each project along a phased journey that initially focuses on low-hanging fruit — those changes that yield maximum gains with minimal investment. By targeting these quick wins first, organizations can start seeing results almost immediately, which builds momentum and fosters a culture of sustainability.
From there, we work with businesses to develop a comprehensive roadmap that addresses all areas of emissions, ensuring cost-effectiveness and delivering a solid return on investment. This strategic, step-by-step process allows companies to implement changes at a pace that suits their unique circumstances while making meaningful progress toward their net-zero goals. By breaking down the journey, we empower businesses to innovate and adapt, ultimately accelerating their transition to a sustainable future.
b. How do your benchmarks throughout the certification process help businesses demonstrate measurable progress to their stakeholders?
Our milestone certificates help recognise and celebrate the milestone achievements of a project or organisation throughout its decarbonisation journey which helps them community to their stakeholder community of their progress in the net zero direction.
5. Technology’s Role in Achieving Net Zero
a. As someone with a technology background from your time at IBM and Lenovo, how does technology play a critical role in GNFZ’s mission to decarbonize the economy?
It goes without saying that technology plays a critical role in every industry. Sustainability is no different. We are bringing in the best practices from latest technological advancements to bring cutting edge solutions for our clients’ businesses to accelerate their net zero journey. Our platform which is a simple data driven tool calculates all scope emission data and helps establish the net zero road map and keeps the project team updated of the net zero progress throughout the journey.
Additionally, we have also partnered with technology solution providers that use AI and blockchain to help assess and analyse gaps in a project or use their tools for better air quality for example. Together we are able to join hands and offer the best possible solutions to our clients and help in our country’s net zero goals.
b. Can you talk about GNFZ's cloud-based platform and how it facilitates collaboration and accelerates the elimination of emissions?
Our platform is an open access tool that lets project team members from the client side or the consultant side join the project online on the platform and thus fosters transparency and collaboration among all the stakeholders involves throughout the net zero journey thereby helping in acceleration.
6. Universal Framework and Flexibility
a. One of the strengths of GNFZ is its universal framework that allows businesses to choose their standards. How does this flexibility cater to different industries and regions with varying sustainability goals?
Our certification process is tailored to consider industry or region-specific factors such as local climate, energy needs, and infrastructure, ensuring that net-zero strategies are both realistic and impactful. While the overall approach remains consistent, we customize benchmarks for emissions, renewable energy, and efficiency based on specific projects and regional conditions. This adaptability empowers businesses across diverse environments — from arid regions to coastal areas — to implement effective, regionally adapted decarbonization strategies.
At GNFZ, we’ve designed our platform with flexibility at its core, ensuring our pathways remain adaptable to changing climate policies and emerging technologies. We maintain a constant feedback loop with our users and industry experts, allowing us to rapidly evolve our offerings as needed.
To further enhance our offerings, we’ve established an advisory group of top global sustainability leaders. Their insights and deep expertise help us maintain a forward-focused approach, allowing us to anticipate changes in the sustainability landscape. This combination of a flexible platform, rapid development cycles, and expert guidance ensures that we provide our users with up-to-date, adaptable pathways that reflect the latest in sustainable practices and technologies.
b. How does GNFZ ensure that this flexibility doesn’t compromise the integrity and rigor of the certification process?
GNFZ maintains alignment with globally recognized standards and frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol. Doing so provides a robust foundation for assessing and verifying emissions reductions, ensuring that all certified businesses adhere to the highest international benchmarks.
While GNFZ customizes benchmarks to accommodate regional conditions—such as variations in climate, energy resources, and infrastructure—the core requirements of the certification process remain steadfast. These include stringent criteria for transparency, accountability, and measurable progress, which are essential for maintaining trust among stakeholders.
Independent verification plays a crucial role in this process, as it involves third-party assessments to confirm that businesses are accurately reporting their emissions and progress toward their net-zero goals. This independent oversight not only bolsters credibility but also provides an additional layer of assurance that companies are genuinely committed to their sustainability objectives.
Regular reporting is another vital component of GNFZ’s approach, allowing businesses to share their progress with stakeholders consistently. This ongoing communication fosters accountability and encourages organizations to stay on track with their decarbonization efforts.
By upholding these rigorous standards and practices, GNFZ ensures that, despite the necessary flexibility to address diverse regional needs, the integrity of the certification process remains intact. This commitment to excellence not only supports individual businesses in their sustainability journeys but also contributes to the collective effort of achieving meaningful climate action on a global scale.
7. The Urgency of Climate Action
a. Global 2050 net-zero targets have been criticized for not being ambitious enough. How does GNFZ drive urgency and action to accelerate progress toward zero emissions before 2050?
To drive both urgency and action, we encourage businesses to adopt more aggressive interim targets. We provide a robust certification framework that supports organizations in developing actionable, short-term plans that lead to measurable emissions reductions. By leveraging tailored benchmarks and resources, businesses can immediately identify and implement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint.
Additionally, GNFZ fosters collaboration among stakeholders, creating a community that shares best practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned. This collaborative environment accelerates the exchange of ideas and drives collective action toward faster decarbonization.
Furthermore, we engage with stakeholders to advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks and incentives that facilitate rapid transitions to sustainable practices. By aligning our efforts with broader climate initiatives, we work to amplify the urgency for action and inspire businesses to take meaningful steps now. Ultimately, our goal is to create a sense of accountability and momentum that propels all sectors toward achieving net-zero emissions well before the Paris Agreement targets.
b. What role do you see GNFZ playing in shaping global policies and business practices to ensure faster and more effective climate action?
I see GNFZ playing a pivotal role in shaping global policies and business practices by acting as a bridge between businesses, governments, and communities. Our goal is to create a unified framework for achieving net-zero that is both flexible and rigorous, ensuring it works for different industries and regions. By aligning with globally recognized standards like the GHG Protocol and advocating for stronger climate regulations, we help businesses integrate meaningful decarbonization strategies into their core operations.
Through collaboration with stakeholders, we push for supportive regulations that accelerate the transition to net-zero, while also sharing insights from our certified members to inform policy development. Additionally, GNFZ fosters innovation by encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies and practices that drive faster progress. Ultimately, our approach empowers businesses to take meaningful action now, ensuring that climate goals are not just future ambitions but tangible, near-term achievements.
8. ESG and Net Zero Commitments
a. As ESG compliance becomes a central focus for investors, how does GNFZ help organizations align their ESG goals with net-zero targets, especially in industries like real estate and construction?
GNFZ plays a key role in helping organizations, particularly in industries like real estate and construction, align their ESG goals with achievable net zero targets. We provide a flexible certification framework that integrates both environmental sustainability and broader ESG criteria into a cohesive strategy. For real estate, this means guiding companies to incorporate energy-efficient design, sustainable materials, and low-carbon technologies into their projects. In construction, we focus on reducing emissions across the supply chain, promoting responsible sourcing, and improving resource efficiency.
By offering clear, measurable benchmarks for reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, we help businesses not only meet their net zero targets but also align with investor expectations on ESG performance. Additionally, we provide the tools and reporting mechanisms that ensure transparency and accountability, making it easier for organizations to communicate their progress to stakeholders. Ultimately, GNFZ supports businesses in demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, which enhances investor confidence and drives long-term value creation.
b. How can businesses integrate net-zero strategies into their overall ESG framework to create long-term value for stakeholders?
Businesses can integrate net-zero strategies into their overall ESG framework by embedding sustainability into the core of their operations, rather than treating it as a separate initiative. First, they need to align their net-zero goals with environmental commitments, such as reducing carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, and optimizing resource efficiency. This ensures that the environmental pillar of ESG is directly linked to decarbonization efforts.
Incorporating net-zero strategies into the social and governance aspects involves prioritizing fair labour practices, community engagement, and transparency in reporting. Companies should provide clear, measurable progress on their net-zero journey, demonstrating accountability to investors, customers, and other stakeholders. By integrating net-zero into their broader ESG framework, businesses not only meet regulatory and market demands but also create long-term value through enhanced reputation, operational efficiency, and future-proofing against climate risks. This approach positions them as leaders in sustainability while building trust with stakeholders.
9. Leadership and Collaboration
a. You’ve worked with a coalition of leaders across various sectors. How does collaboration with both public and private sector partners help accelerate the decarbonization process?
Public private partnership is extremely critical to bring a transformative change towards enabling decarbonisation on an eco-system, built environment and infrastructural level. For example, when I was leading USGBC, we introduced LEED for Cities and Communities and Washington DC in USA and Surat in India were among the first to achieve the LEED certification on a city level, so in this case it is essential to work directly with the governmental and municipal bodies as well as private players to enforce and execute such large scale implementation of sustainability measures.
Or take for example DMRC, it was a joint effort by our team at GBCI and Delhi government to implement the LEED for Transit certification to Delhi Metro.
So private players can contribute with funds, resources, technology and expertise to help public entities implement large scale project on a campus, eco-system, infrastructure or built environment level that’ll help citizens at large. Public entities can push in accelerating necessary permissions, city wide data collection, awareness programs and in urban landscaping.
At GNFZ too, we are in talks with government bodies and entities like MNRE to enable decarbonisation on a broader accelerated level.
10. Your Personal Journey and Leadership
a. You’ve led several high-impact global sustainability initiatives. How has your leadership philosophy evolved over the years, especially in the context of climate action and social equity?
I have been saying this for a while now, that clean water and air must be basic fundamental rights to all citizens and should be as easily accessible as smart phones are today. I will go a step further and say a decarbonised environment should be as easily accessible as smartphones are today. Only when there is social equity without favouring a few will there be true decarbonisation. And that’s exactly the reason why I founded GNFZ to ensure a zero emissions world is accessible to all by enabling all individual and businesses to make their own net zero targets and we’ll help them achieve those in a simple, affordable and accelerated way.
b. Looking ahead, what do you see as the most promising developments in the global pursuit of net-zero, and how will GNFZ be at the forefront of this movement?
Promising developments in the global pursuit of net-zero includes targeting the hard to abate sectors like steel, oil & gas, global logistics and cement. While there are obviously a lot of challenges and barriers in getting these sectors to reduce and eliminate emissions but there are leaders like ONGC for example in India that is leading the way with LEED certification and innovations being introduced like the use of hydrogen power to cut on emissions. GNFZ is a prepared to use the best practices in technological advancements and innovations to get the desired result for decarbonisation in these sectors. The key is what gets measured gets managed so we’re going to leverage the data available to analyse and assess the fasted route possible for net zero.
11. Next Steps for Global Network for Zero
a. What’s next for GNFZ in terms of expanding its certification program and supporting businesses in achieving their net-zero goals?
Our mission is to bring net zero within reach — which means scaling this transformation. So we are working toward accelerating net zero adoption across sectors and particularly in the construction and operation of buildings across the globe.
We will develop a global movement for net zero and build the business case and ROI for net zero. Thankfully, India is making more net zero building progress than any other nation, so we see this as being a huge market and are actively working with projects across sectors and regions here — but we already also have work underway in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, India, the Middle East, and Asia.
A good way of looking at this is to examine how we believe GNFZ’s role will be expanding over the next five years:
Currently: Right now we offer certification for existing buildings, businesses, and portfolios.
Soon: New construction is coming soon — and that will be followed by city and community, certification, and beyond to supply chain, fleet, steel and more.
Platform Evolution: On the technical end, to support this growth, we have API integration between other software and our platforms, and we are enhancing the platform capabilities to meet market needs and to provide more robust tools and resources for tracking and achieving net zero goals.
Embracing Partnerships: We are strengthening partnerships with both Indian and international stakeholders to tailor net zero solutions that address local challenges and opportunities across markets. This includes collaborating with governments, the private sector and NGOs to create a cohesive ecosystem for sustainable development.
Amplifying Best Practices: Of course, a big part of our work over these next five years will be about amplification and lifting up best practices, case studies and successful projects to show that achieving net zero Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is possible – and replicable.
b. How do you envision the role of GNFZ in helping to build a truly global and inclusive net-zero economy?
I envision GNFZ playing a pivotal role in building a truly global and inclusive net zero economy by serving as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among businesses, governments, and communities worldwide. Our approach emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, enabling us to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by different regions and industries. By providing a universal framework for net zero certification, we empower organizations of all sizes and sectors to set and achieve meaningful sustainability goals, making net-zero accessible and affordable for everyone.
Additionally, GNFZ is committed to fostering inclusivity by ensuring that smaller businesses and emerging economies have access to the resources and support they need to participate in the transition to net-zero. We believe that collaboration is key: By bringing together stakeholders from various backgrounds, we can create a shared understanding of best practices and innovative solutions that accelerate net-zero progress.
As we work toward achieving net-zero emissions, GNFZ will focus on empowering local leaders and communities to develop tailored strategies that fit their unique circumstances. By promoting a culture of accountability and transparency, we can build trust and encourage widespread engagement in sustainability efforts. Ultimately, GNFZ aims to create an inclusive global movement where every organization, regardless of size or location, can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
12. Inspiration for Future Leaders
a. What message do you have for the next generation of leaders who are passionate about sustainability and climate action?
To the next generation of leaders passionate about sustainability and climate action: Your time is now. The challenges we face are immense, but so are the opportunities to create real, lasting change. You have the power to reshape industries, rethink how we live and work, and push the boundaries of innovation in ways that my generation could only begin to imagine.
Be bold, stay curious, and never underestimate the impact you can have in your communities. Sustainability is not just about reducing emissions— it’s about building a more just, equitable, and resilient world for everyone. Embrace collaboration, take risks, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Your leadership will be the driving force that accelerates the transition to a sustainable future.
b. How can they get involved in GNFZ’s work and contribute to the global movement for net-zero?
GNFZ offers multiple avenues for young climate leaders to make a meaningful impact in the global net-zero movement. You can play a hands-on role in advancing our mission by joining us as a partner, advisor, or even third-party reviewer. Partners collaborate on projects that drive decarbonization across industries. Advisors offer fresh insights to help shape the strategies we develop for different sectors. Third-party reviewers play a critical role in ensuring the credibility and transparency of our certification process, helping businesses stay accountable and on track.
By engaging with GNFZ in these roles, young leaders have the chance to work alongside industry veterans, policymakers, and innovators, while helping to accelerate progress toward a sustainable, net zero future. Your energy, creativity, and leadership can make a lasting difference in building the global movement for climate action.
