Decarbonisation for multi-site businesses: Challenges and opportunities

As pressure mounts on businesses to act on climate change, many organisations are setting ambitious Net Zero targets. But for multi-site businesses, decarbonisation is far from straightforward. The complexities that come with managing multiple locations can make it harder to reduce carbon emissions effectively and efficiently.

However, with the right approach and data, businesses can turn these challenges into real opportunities.

Why cutting carbon is harder for businesses with more than one site

The decentralised nature of energy consumption across multiple locations is a major barrier to decarbonisation. Each site has its own energy profile, usage patterns, and infrastructure. This fragmentation makes emissions harder to track and optimise.

Installing carbon-reducing technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, or energy monitoring systems also becomes more costly. Rather than one centralised investment, capital expenditure is split across the different sites. This means each has its own planning, installation, and maintenance costs.

For businesses with dozens or even hundreds of sites, the complexity and cost can quickly escalate.

Confusing data, different buildings, and no clear plan

Many multi-site businesses are working with building portfolios that vary widely in age, design, and condition. This means a one-size-fits-all approach to decarbonisation rarely works.

For example, two buildings of a similar size might have vastly different energy performance due to insulation levels or HVAC systems.

Inconsistent or incomplete data is another frequent issue. Without accurate and comparable data across all sites, it’s difficult to understand your emissions baseline, let alone track progress or prioritise investment. This confusion often leads to misinformed decisions or a lack of action altogether.

How can larger businesses turn challenges into advantages?

Despite the hurdles, multi-site businesses are in a strong position to lead the way in decarbonisation. One key advantage is the ability to pilot solutions. By trialling low-carbon technologies or an employee engagement programme at a single location, businesses can measure impact and refine their approach before wider rollout.

This not only reduces risk but also builds internal confidence and buy-in. Lessons learned from one site can be applied to others, enabling a phased, scalable decarbonisation strategy that is both cost-effective and evidence-based.

Why having the right data makes a big difference

Successful decarbonisation starts with reliable data. A full picture of your current energy usage and emissions across every site is essential to avoid blind spots.

Granular, site-level data allows businesses to benchmark performance. This makes it easier to identify high-emitting locations and prioritise action based on greatest impact or quickest return.

When data is centralised and standardised, it becomes much easier to track progress, justify investment, and make data-led decisions that drive results.

How to create one clear plan that works across all your sites

While no two buildings are the same, most estates can be grouped into archetypes (i.e. building age, design, use, or systems in place). This allows you to develop tailored decarbonisation plans for each group, rather than each individual building.

This “grouped” approach delivers the best of both worlds: site-specific action within a clear and manageable overarching strategy. It ensures that investment is targeted and appropriate while maintaining a joined-up view of the business’s decarbonisation journey.

How Amber can support your business with decarbonisation

At Amber, we specialise in helping multi-site organisations navigate the complexity of decarbonisation. With extensive experience across a wide range of sectors, we understand the unique challenges of managing emissions across diverse estates.

Our multidisciplinary team blends technical, strategic, and behavioural expertise, underpinned by industry-recognised accreditations. So, whether you’re just starting your Net Zero journey or refining an existing plan, we’re here to help.