Dispatches in Decarbonization: The Power of a Global Network
This article first appeared in Mahesh Ramanujam’s monthly LinkedIn newsletter, Dispatches in Decarbonization, on October 14, 2025. Subscribe on LinkedIn to receive these updates.
When I founded the Global Network for Zero, I wasn’t looking to reinvent the wheel. There are already many excellent certification systems in the market that have pushed leaders to set the bar higher. What I saw missing was something else entirely: a way to bring everyone along.
My goals were simple:
Break down the barriers to decarbonization.
Create a certification that is accessible to the top, middle, and bottom of the market.
Ensure the journey is seamless and data-backed, enabled by a certification platform that brings clarity and confidence.
And, importantly, be more than just a certification body — be a network.
This last point is crucial. My career has shown me that networks move markets. No amount of technical brilliance or elegant standards can move markets alone. What does move them is people — when they feel connected, when they see others like them stepping up, and when they know they are part of something larger than themselves. Networks build momentum, enable trust, and allow us to tackle challenges at scale that none of us could do alone. GNFZ is, at its core, a network working together to advance net zero.
Why does this matter? Because the work of decarbonization is not about individual milestones. It’s about momentum. A project in the U.S. gives confidence to Latin America. An Advisor in Europe inspires partners in Asia. A pilot project in India validates a pathway for the Middle East. This ripple effect only happens when people are connected through trust and shared purpose.
This is also where the business case for getting involved with GNFZ becomes clear. Joining this global network isn’t just about earning a certificate: it’s about credibility, visibility, and opportunity. Our pilot projects are recognized as pioneers. Our Advisors don’t just lend their names — they open doors, share expertise, and create demand. Our Partners extend reach and serve as the salesforce for the movement. Together, these aren’t abstract benefits. They’re real advantages that help companies lead, differentiate, and grow.
And we’re already seeing this in action. From our first U.S. webinar, to our conversations during Climate Week NYC, to our recent collaboration with Green Badger, the power of this network is becoming undeniable. Each event brings new voices into the fold and proves that collective action moves faster than individual effort.
If you’re ready to be part of the GNFZ network, there are many ways to engage:
Or simply start by advocating for the mission in your own circles. (For starters, here’s a video that succinctly explains the need for everyone to move toward net zero.)
We have a number of upcoming opportunities to connect in person and online, which you can find on GNFZ’s events page, including our virtual event on November 19 featuring two panels of innovative U.S.-based green building leaders.
In short: joining GNFZ means advancing your own decarbonization journey while helping to scale a global movement. We are more than a certification. GNFZ is a community, a platform, and a movement. And it’s growing fast. I hope you’ll join us.