10 Key Benefits of Using a Maturity Model Approach to Gap Analysis

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15 or so years ago, when I worked on my first carbon management strategy, I wish I’d had a really clear idea of what I was aiming for. What we produced was a good piece of work – it included plenty of useful advice primarily focused on the implementation of energy conservation measures to reduce demand and thus emissions. Back then, electricity grid carbon intensity was high so the usual low-hanging fruit actions typically had a pretty good level of impact, and heat pumps weren’t even a thing, so the usual measures focused on reducing gas use also made good sense. 

But, over the course of developing many strategies for many organisations, what I’ve recognised is that technical measures only get you so far. And even then, trying to implement them without thinking more broadly is likely to end in you and your boss being disappointed with the results. 

Let me explain...

15 years ago there was very little consideration of Scope 3 emissions beyond those sources that were pretty straightforward to quantify, so much of the work was considering emissions associated with an organisation’s building portfolio. This also made sense as much of the work in this space was commissioned by Estates Teams in various guides, so consequently, implementation of building-focused measures was, more or less, under their control. 

As reporting becomes more complete (i.e. covers more emission sources in more detail), it becomes clear that measures focused on technical fixes to reduce energy consumption will only get you so far. 

So, the job becomes not so much about technical measures (they remain essential of course) but also about how to reduce emissions from other sources (such as transport, waste, and procurement) as well as thinking about how to extend the influence of those responsible for the strategy into areas where they have little or no direct authority. 

That’s where, 15 years ago, a maturity model approach to understanding where there are gaps in your approach would have been super helpful. 

Why choose a maturity model approach to gap analysis?

A maturity model approach to gap analysis offers a structured framework for organisations to assess and improve their capabilities in specific domains, such as carbon management. 

Maturity models provide a roadmap for organisations to understand their current state, set goals, and progressively advance towards higher levels of proficiency. 

So, in a nutshell, a maturity model is an excellent way to understand where you are and where you’re headed.

Let's look at the benefits in greater detail.

10 key benefits of using a maturity model approach to gap analysis: 

1. Structured Assessment: Maturity models provide a structured framework for assessing the maturity of an organisation's processes, practices, and capabilities related to carbon management. This structured approach helps organisations systematically evaluate their current state and identify areas that need improvement. 

2. Progressive Levels of Maturity: Maturity models typically define several levels or stages of maturity, ranging from an initial or ad-hoc state to an optimised or advanced state. This tiered structure allows organisations to gauge their maturity level and set realistic, incremental goals for improvement, fostering a step-by-step approach to enhancement. 

3. Clear Benchmarking: The maturity model serves as a benchmarking tool, enabling organisations to compare their current practices with established best practices at each maturity level. This comparison provides a clear understanding of where the organisation stands in relation to industry standards and helps identify specific gaps that need to be addressed.

4. Targeted Improvement Areas: By conducting a maturity assessment, organisations can pinpoint specific areas where they fall short of desired maturity levels. This targeted identification of gaps allows for focused efforts on improvement, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to address the most critical areas of concern. 

5. Strategic Planning: Maturity models support strategic planning by helping organisations develop a roadmap for advancing through different maturity levels. This strategic approach enables long-term planning and the prioritisation of initiatives based on their impact on overall maturity and sustainability goals. 

6. Risk Mitigation: Understanding the maturity level of various processes and practices in carbon management helps identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. By addressing gaps and improving maturity, organisations can mitigate risks associated with regulatory compliance, reputational damage, and the changing landscape of carbon management. 

7. Continuous Improvement Culture: Maturity models promote a culture of continuous improvement. Organisations are encouraged to regularly assess their maturity levels, identify new challenges, and adapt their strategies accordingly. This iterative process aligns with the dynamic nature of carbon management and ensures that organisations stay ahead of emerging issues. 

8. Resource Optimisation: A maturity model approach allows organisations to optimise resource allocation by prioritising efforts on areas that have the most significant impact on overall maturity. This ensures that limited resources, such as time, finances, and personnel, are directed toward initiatives that yield the greatest benefit. 

9. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Maturity models provide a common language for communicating about the organisation's maturity in carbon management. This facilitates better communication with internal stakeholders, such as employees and management, as well as external stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies. 

10. Demonstrating Progress: Maturity models enable organisations to track their progress over time. This ability to demonstrate improvement is valuable for internal reporting, external disclosures, and building credibility with stakeholders. It also contributes to the organisation's overall commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

So, a maturity model approach to gap analysis empowers organisations to systematically evaluate and enhance their carbon management capabilities. By providing a structured path for improvement, organisations can achieve higher levels of maturity, align with industry best practices, and contribute to their sustainability objectives in a strategically and effectively. 

You can download the FREE Hut22 Carbon Management Gap Analysis tool here.