Exponential Roadmap Initiative members – endorsing the Exponential Business Playbook
A playbook for
exponential climate action
The Exponential Business Playbook is a practical handbook for the C-suite and for business and sustainability leaders who want to participate in, and accelerate, the fastest economic transition in history. It provides a strategic framework for target‑setting, transition planning, implementation and disclosure. The Playbook emphasises simplicity and speed and is compatible with widely used standards and criteria.
The first version was launched in 2020 and is regularly updated with the latest science, standards, and user feedback. Released in 2025, the Exponential Business Playbook 5.0 is backed by companies with over $1 trillion in annual revenue and 2 million employees.
The Five Pillars for net zero impacts
Pillar 1 focuses on actions to cut emissions from the company’s own operations. To align with the 1.5°C ambition, companies are recommended to halve their own emissions (scope 1 & 2) every 5 years.
Pillar 2 focuses on actions to decarbonise the value chain. Which often represent the largest share of a company’s total footprint and must therefore be addressed. The 1.5°C Supply Chain Leaders is an initiative driving climate action throughout global supply chains.
Pillar 3 focuses on scaling climate and nature solutions. Rapidly expand low-carbon materials and manufacturing, regenerative agriculture and plant-based food, and shared or service-based models to reshape systems and markets.
Pillar 4 focuses on finance & investment. Mobilising capital, eg into clean technology, high‑integrity removals and nature, to accelerate climate action within and beyond the value chain.
Pillar 5 focuses on policy and narrative. Companies can accelerate system change by advocating for science-aligned policy, aligning industry associations, and shaping the public narrative so that low-carbon, circular choices become the default.
