Insights from Innovation Zero 2025

The Innovation Zero Conference is the UK's largest event addressing the climate crisis and fostering collaboration across sectors to achieve net-zero goals. This year's event took place on 28 - 29 April at Olympia, London. Nu Xform SMaRT Consultant, Aleksandra Dasala, attended the event to explore how leading minds are tackling these urgent, interconnected challenges. Two key sessions on climate and sustainability showcased the pressing need for action and the immense opportunity AI presents in addressing the climate emergency. 

From the potential of AI within climate science to actionable corporate strategies for sustainability, we summarise what was discussed.

Moderated by Natasha Kaplinsky OBE and Professor Emily Shuckburgh OBE, the panel brought together Sims Witherspoon, Climate Action Lead at Google DeepMind and Professor Shuckburgh, Director of Cambridge Zero. They underscored the urgency of climate action and AI's potential role as a solution - not a magical "silver bullet," but a critical enabler for achieving meaningful progress.

Professor Emily Shuckburgh emphasised the severity of the climate crisis, with extreme weather events occurring globally, breaking temperature records and pushing ecological systems closer to irreversible tipping points. From ice sheet collapse to permafrost thaw, the next decade is critical in shaping humanity's trajectory.

Google DeepMind's Sims Witherspoon conveyed both the urgency of the climate situation and the significant opportunities presented by AI, detailing a three-part framework for its role: 

The panel outlined AI-driven advancements like predicting extreme weather events and optimising renewable energy systems. But the underlying message was clear: AI must be combined with robust problem definitions, clean datasets and clear benchmarks to deliver value without exacerbating its energy footprint.

When asked about AI’s substantial energy demands, Witherspoon acknowledged it as an area requiring thoughtful management. She detailed efforts at DeepMind to optimise energy efficiency at every stage, from hardware design to algorithm operation and grid harmonisation. 

The takeaway? AI is a transformative yet demanding tool and we must be strategic in choosing when, where and how to utilise it.

Moderated by journalist Arianne Alcorta, this panel included leading voices on sustainability like Lindsay Hooper (Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership), Sherry Madera (CDP), Dylan Tanner (InfluenceMap), and Ewan Andrew (Diageo). Together, they dived into the responsibilities and opportunities businesses have in shaping a sustainable future.

One area of optimism, according to Dylan Tanner, lies in the built environment. Construction and equipment manufacturers are stepping up to support clean energy policies, viewing regulations like building retrofitting as growth opportunities.

With up to 40% of emissions linked to this sector, adopting low-carbon practices in construction can deliver a tangible impact.

Sherry Madera emphasised the role of disclosure in driving climate action. Her data showed that companies reporting emissions to CDP cut their emissions by 7-10% within two years of their first report.

However, disclosure alone isn’t a magic fix; it must be paired with action plans that outline clear, measurable steps toward sustainability.

Net-zero targets are no longer enough. Madera noted that companies need credible transition plans that are actively tracked year on year, including lobbying and advocacy efforts aligned with climate goals.

Lindsay Hooper highlighted the difference between leaders who proactively shape the market for sustainability and those who treat it as a compliance obligation. Businesses seizing sustainability as a competitive advantage are better prepared to drive long-term progress.

From tackling misinformation to improving global access to renewable energy grids, every speaker emphasised the importance of collaboration. Effective partnerships between businesses, governments and communities are essential for overcoming systemic barriers and driving scalable solutions. 

Finally, Dylan Tanner addressed the thorny issue of corporate lobbying, urging transparency and alignment between stated net-zero commitments and the policies businesses support.

The sessions at Innovation Zero highlighted an overarching theme for businesses and climate action alike: transformation requires clarity, collaboration and commitment.

Whether through the application of AI to optimise infrastructure and accelerate innovation or aligning corporate strategies with climate goals, the takeaway is this: significant challenges demand tangible, measurable solutions.

For businesses, this means focusing on three essential steps:

The urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated, but sessions at Innovation Zero left attendees energised rather than overwhelmed. Concrete examples of AI-driven solutions, forward-thinking companies, and strategic blueprints remind us that achieving a sustainable future is still possible - with the right tools and partnerships. 

If your organisation is ready to explore smarter, sustainable solutions, start by asking the right questions.

Nu Xform’s consultants are here to help identify your goals, refine your strategy and guide you through the important next steps. 

Feel free to reach out or learn more about our services. Together, we can move towards meaningful progress.