Many firms want to cut carbon without losing sight of cost, operations, or the technology changes that make reduction possible.
Cat Dillon, Partner Director at Pathway to Carbon Zero, joined Episode 12 of the Sense Of Identity podcast to explain how consultancies help businesses bridge awareness and action.
Pathway to Carbon Zero works with companies that need practical routes to lower emissions, from footprint analysis through to field operations and utility choices.
In this episode, Cat sets out why resistance often appears at the start of a sustainability programme, what changes once teams see environmental and commercial gains together, and where the consultancy is focusing next.
You can subscribe to our Sense Of Identity audio podcast series on your podcasting platform of choice using the links on our Spotify page. You can watch the video on YouTube, or listen on Apple Podcasts.
Created from episode transcript
Sustainability programmes often stall when operational data, supplier choices, and internal reporting sit in different teams. Cat's work starts where those gaps show up in day-to-day decisions.
Why Pathway To Carbon Zero Exists
Cat describes the consultancy as a response to the gap between climate awareness and practical action.
The aim is to help businesses move towards carbon neutrality with steps they can implement, not just targets on paper.
"The journey began from a realisation of the urgent need for practical solutions in combating climate change," she says. "We aimed to bridge the gap between awareness and action by empowering businesses to embark on a pathway towards carbon neutrality."
What The Consultancy Offers
Pathway to Carbon Zero provides carbon footprint analysis, sustainability consulting, and support to implement carbon reduction strategies.
The focus is on guiding companies through each stage so the process feels manageable rather than overwhelming.
Where Firms Struggle First
Cat sees initial resistance to change as one of the biggest barriers, especially when new technologies or operating practices are involved.
That resistance often eases once teams can see results on the ground.
"One of the biggest challenges is the initial resistance to change, particularly when it comes to integrating new technologies and practices. However, once clients see the positive impact on both the environment and their bottom line, they become our biggest advocates."
Cat Dillon, Partner Director, Pathway to Carbon Zero
How Clients Reduce Carbon In Practice
Successful programmes often start with a clear view of energy use and utility providers, then extend into how field operations run day to day.
Cat points to clients who have reduced emissions by assessing consumption, reviewing suppliers, and improving the carbon efficiency of operational work.
"When sustainability reporting depends on data moving between teams, suppliers, and advisers, firms need communication routes that keep sensitive operational detail controlled. Secure email helps where those exchanges still happen by message rather than through a single portal."
Cat says the consultancy is expanding its reach, building tools for easier carbon tracking and reduction, and strengthening partnerships across industries.
The long-term goal remains the same: make carbon neutrality achievable for businesses of different sizes.
Choosing The Right Customer Channel?
Read our research on portals, logins, email, and post before deciding how customers should receive important documents.
Cat Dillon is the Partner Director at Pathway to Carbon Zero, an organisation dedicated to guiding companies towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. With a rich background in IT and a commitment to combating climate change, Cat leads her team with a visionary approach, drawing on her background working with Microsoft and other big-hitters within telecommunications and cloud services.
FAQs
What Services Does Pathway to Carbon Zero Provide?
The consultancy offers carbon footprint analysis, sustainability consulting, and help implementing carbon reduction strategies across a client's sustainability journey.
What Is the Main Barrier Firms Face When Starting?
Cat highlights initial resistance to change, particularly when new technologies or practices need to be adopted before teams see environmental and commercial benefits.
How Are Clients Reducing Carbon Output in Practice?
Many start by assessing energy usage and utility providers, then improving the carbon efficiency of field operations.
Adam Byford
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