Net Zero Case Study
Net Zero Case Study
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Overview
Overview
This project was a case study completed for Core Markets, a firm specializing in decarbonisation strategies for business. The objective was to map a commercially viable path to net zero carbon emissions for a fictional retail business by evaluating the feasibility of on site solar infrastructure and renewable energy procurement. I found it an interesting challenge to balance the financial constraints and certainty of a five year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the long term lifespan of rooftop solar to find the optimal mix of generation and purchased power.
This project was a case study completed for Core Markets, a firm specializing in decarbonisation strategies for business. The objective was to map a commercially viable path to net zero carbon emissions for a fictional retail business by evaluating the feasibility of on site solar infrastructure and renewable energy procurement. I found it an interesting challenge to balance the financial constraints and certainty of a five year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the long term lifespan of rooftop solar to find the optimal mix of generation and purchased power.
Collaborators: Solo project
Collaborators: Solo project
Date: June 2025
Date: June 2025
Key skills: Solar Feasibility Analysis, Financial Modeling, Carbon Accounting (ACCUs), Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Renewable Energy Strategy
Key skills: Solar Feasibility Analysis, Financial Modeling, Carbon Accounting (ACCUs), Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Renewable Energy Strategy
Retail Net Zero Case Study.pdfLessons Learned
Lessons Learned
Financial Modelling for Physical Infrastructure
Financial Modelling for Physical Infrastructure
I learned how to balance short term corporate financial constraints with the realities of long term physical infrastructure. By analysing the break even point for solar assets over a 30 year projected lifespan against the rigid 5 year term of a Power Purchase Agreement, I developed a financial model to pinpoint the exact kW capacity where localised generation becomes economically optimal.
I learned how to balance short term corporate financial constraints with the realities of long term physical infrastructure. By analysing the break even point for solar assets over a 30 year projected lifespan against the rigid 5 year term of a Power Purchase Agreement, I developed a financial model to pinpoint the exact kW capacity where localised generation becomes economically optimal.
The importance of tailoring approaches
The importance of tailoring approaches
This analysis reinforced that decarbonisation strategies cannot be broadly generalized. I had to adapt my feasibility models to account for state specific energy demands and production capabilities, such as adjusting the economic viability threshold for sites in Victoria due to their significantly higher overnight load profiles compared to New South Wales and Queensland.
This analysis reinforced that decarbonisation strategies cannot be broadly generalized. I had to adapt my feasibility models to account for state specific energy demands and production capabilities, such as adjusting the economic viability threshold for sites in Victoria due to their significantly higher overnight load profiles compared to New South Wales and Queensland.
Creating deliverable client-ready presentations
Creating deliverable client-ready presentations
I learned the importance of distilling technical engineering and financial models into a clear, easy to understand format. By structuring complex variables like PPA costings, solar amortisation, and emissions offsets into intuitive visual summaries, I improved my ability to communicate technical strategies to non technical stakeholders. This reinforced that an engineering solution is only effective if it can be presented in an accessible and actionable way for the client.
I learned the importance of distilling technical engineering and financial models into a clear, easy to understand format. By structuring complex variables like PPA costings, solar amortisation, and emissions offsets into intuitive visual summaries, I improved my ability to communicate technical strategies to non technical stakeholders. This reinforced that an engineering solution is only effective if it can be presented in an accessible and actionable way for the client.
Translating Emissions to Financial Metrics
Translating Emissions to Financial Metrics
I learned how to bridge the gap between abstract environmental goals and concrete financial reporting. By calculating total carbon offset volumes and converting them into their monetary equivalent using the market price of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), I developed the ability to frame emissions reductions as a tangible financial asset for commercial stakeholders. This translates to more broadly to communicating engineering progress and solutions empirically for reporting.
I learned how to bridge the gap between abstract environmental goals and concrete financial reporting. By calculating total carbon offset volumes and converting them into their monetary equivalent using the market price of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), I developed the ability to frame emissions reductions as a tangible financial asset for commercial stakeholders. This translates to more broadly to communicating engineering progress and solutions empirically for reporting.
Below is the project brief and the data I was given to conduct my analysis
Below is the project brief and the data I was given to conduct my analysis
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