
Never just tech: Unlocking sustainability success with technology
Sign up for this eventA utility using gen AI to improve predictive maintenance planning. A manufacturer creating a digital twin to design products with lower costs and carbon emissions. A private equity firm using a digital platform to monitor its portfolio companies’ Scope 3 emissions compliance. These unique examples share a common thread: the strategic harnessing of technology to drive climate action and growth.
But deploying technology well is not easy: only 30% of tech investments deliver on expected benefits.
What is the formula for deploying technology so that it delivers on its transformative promise? How can Boards inspire their management teams to combine strategy, culture, and capabilities with execution and delivery?
This event will give attendees the opportunity to hear from experts on how to unlock sustainability success with technology, engage in dynamic discussions and connect with peers following the main session.
The session will start with a presentation from McKinsey experts and a panel discussion, followed by Q&A and networking drinks.
About the series
Getting to net zero will require large-scale technology deployment across industries, creating massive opportunities to build entirely new businesses and open new markets. Businesses that innovate quickly and out-compete to establish a cost advantage will succeed in winning investors and consumers and creating strategic value.
Chapter Zero and McKinsey will run a series of face-to-face events in 2024/25 that convene non-executive directors. The objective remains to bring the best thinking to boardrooms on achieving net zero—and effecting real change.
The central idea in 2024 is out-competing to win. How should institutions across the UK (and beyond) become ambitious hyper-scalers? How can Boards help in balancing outrageous ambition with speed and execution? Where do Boards need to act to help their enterprises out-compete in the age of digital and AI/Gen AI? What impetus will the global context offer after COP29?
These events aim to equip non-executive directors with critical insights to effectively navigate and influence the future of business in an era of technological disruption and significant environmental policy shifts.

Susan Hooper
Board member, Chapter ZeroSusan is an experienced senior board member, specialising in driving value through customer insight and data, ESG and company culture. She is Chair of Tangle Teezer and sits on the Boards of Moonpig plc (Chair of the Remuneration Committee and ESG lead) and Uber UK. Susan is also involved in several start-ups in carbon capture and sustainability and is also an Ambassador for the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Dr. Márcia Balisciano
Chief Sustainability Officer, RELX and Board Member, Foundation for the Global Compact and Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global CitizensMárcia is founding Chief Sustainability Officer and Global Head of Corporate Responsibility at RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics, decision tools and events. She works to ensure RELX’s extra-financial performance furthers competitive advantage and stakeholder confidence. Márcia is also a board member of the Foundation for the (UN) Global Compact, founding board member of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens and founding director of London museum and educational facility Benjamin Franklin House.

Lamé Verre
Director - Net Zero, The Crown Estate and NED, Equitable OriginLame Verre is an experienced finance and commercial professional with over 20 years’ experience working across the energy industry value chain globally. She is currently the Sustainability Director for Net Zero at The Crown Estate, serves on the World Economic Forum - Global Future Council for Energy Transition, is a trustee of the UK Green Alliance and is a board member for Equitable Origin. Previously, she was Head of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability at SSE Plc.

Andrew Perry
Director of the Energy Transition and Environment business unit, Faculty AIAndy leads Faculty's Energy Transition and Environment business, which designs, builds and deploys customised AI solutions and advises on AI-strategy for energy, utilities and infrastructure businesses. Faculty is Europe's leading applied AI firm with a 10 year track record of developing AI-powered solutions for clients' frontline teams. His particular focus is on helping companies use decision intelligence to enable the essential transition of the energy system. Andy has spent the past 15 years at the forefront of change and innovation in energy through senior roles in consulting, start-up and Government organisations.

Jayanti Kar
Partner, McKinsey & CompanyJayanti is a partner in McKinsey & Company's London office. She works with energy companies to deliver high-impact and sustainable performance transitions across the globe. Jayanti is also interested in strategic thinking, and has authored several articles on executive strategy setting and the nature and nuance of competitive dynamics.

Harry Forbes
Associate Partner, McKinsey & CompanyHarry Forbes is an Associate Partner in McKinsey’s London Office, where he co-leads the Green Business Building service line in the UK & Ireland. Harry spends his time helping new businesses in the energy, materials and industrials space to scale, specialising in strategy, commercial acceleration and growth execution. His clients range from venture-backed startups at seed stage through to O&G majors and utilities developing new green ventures, alongside the funds investing in these companies.
