EY · Sustainability / strategy · Advanced · 35-45 min

Build a path to net zero

Build a path to net zero is an advanced EY sustainability / strategy case interview that runs 35-45 min. Prioritize the best decarbonization levers and show a credible business case. A strong answer works through 3 phases: Abatement logic; Capital allocation; Operational and stakeholder constraints.

Last updated 2026-09-05

The brief

An organization wants a realistic path toward net zero and needs to decide where to invest first.

How to approach it

  1. Abatement logic
  2. Capital allocation
  3. Operational and stakeholder constraints

What a strong answer does

  • Prioritize the best decarbonization levers and show a credible business case.
  • A strong answer should rank initiatives by value, feasibility, and strategic importance.

Practice drills

  • Rank emissions levers instead of listing them.
  • Define how to prove the economics work.
  • Recommend a phased roadmap with milestones.

Why this case

EY-Parthenon highlights net zero strategy as part of its real work themes.

Adapted from EY-Parthenon work example: net zero emissions (official theme-based practice).

Cases are written in each firm's style, written and reviewed by working consultants; they are not the firms' own published cases.

More EY cases