At ESG:Ro 2025, Răzvan Nica, CEO of CarbonTool, delivered a clear message: data is the foundation of decarbonisation. Without accurate measurement, neither Artificial Intelligence nor corporate ESG strategies can succeed.

 

“Any company can be part of the decarbonisation journey, but it starts with data. Without measurement, there is no strategy, and without strategy, there is no progress”, Răzvan Nica stated during the panel.

 

Certification frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED and WELL are evolving dynamically, often anticipating EU legislation. Today, decarbonisation is embedded in every certification, making it impossible to ignore carbon tracking in construction and operations. Răzvan Nica stressed that the construction stage alone contributes around 35% of a building’s lifetime carbon footprint, highlighting the need for careful material choices, renovation strategies and lifecycle planning.

 

 

Scope 3 and the Tenant Factor

 

An important trend is the growing interest of tenants in Scope 3 emissions, especially in relation to their own fit-outs. These emissions, linked to furniture, finishes and equipment, were once overlooked but are now central to corporate reporting. For tenants, it is no longer enough to reduce operational costs. They must also demonstrate that their leased spaces align with long-term decarbonisation pathways.

 

This shared accountability reshapes the relationship between landlords and tenants, positioning data transparency as a common priority.

 

 

Technology and AI as catalysts

 

Technology is the enabler of this transition. Artificial Intelligence, when combined with solid datasets, can simplify processes that were once too complex, such as real-time analysis of energy use and predictive modeling of emissions. However, AI is only as good as the data it receives. Răzvan Nica emphasized that collecting accurate energy consumption and financial data is the first step toward creating reliable decarbonisation strategies.

 

CarbonTool was designed to respond to this exact need. The platform centralizes data, provides analysis powered by AI and enables companies to set and follow roadmaps toward net zero. It translates raw numbers into strategic insights, making decarbonisation practical and measurable for businesses of any size.

 

Finally, Răzvan Nica warned against postponing action: ”Cutting emissions by 55% at the last moment before 2030 is simply unrealistic. Instead, companies must combine short-term quick wins, such as optimizing existing systems, with long-term strategies that align with EU climate targets for 2040 and 2050.”

 

With platforms like CarbonTool, organizations can navigate this journey confidently, balancing costs, opportunities and compliance while proving verifiable results to stakeholders.