Laying the Foundations – Scoping Your Net Zero App 

So, you’ve recognised the opportunity. You want to create a digital product that supports your organisation’s Net Zero goals — one that’s purposeful, effective, and genuinely useful. 

But before you jump into design sprints or feature wish lists, it’s crucial to take a step back and scope it out properly. At Vidatec, we believe the most impactful apps are born from clear intent, informed collaboration, and strategic alignment. 

Here’s how to get it right from day one. 

Start With the Problem, Not the Platform 

It’s tempting to start with “We need an app.” But the real starting point should be: What problem are we solving? 

Maybe it’s rising energy costs across your building portfolio. Or maybe your employees are asking for tools to support greener commuting habits. Whatever it is, understanding the root challenge is what ensures your digital solution moves the needle. 

Ask yourself: 

• What behaviours or outcomes do we want to influence? 

• Who are we building this for — and what do they care about? 

• What does success look like, both environmentally and commercially? 

Engage the People Closest to the Problem 

One of the biggest pitfalls we see? Teams designing in silos. 

While leadership might set the vision, it’s often the operational teams — engineers, frontline workers, sustainability leads — who have the best insight into what’s actually needed. 

Running discovery workshops, user interviews, or even short surveys can uncover: 

• Daily pain points 

• Hidden inefficiencies 

• Gaps in data or understanding 

• Ideas and feedback from those on the ground 

By including these voices early, you avoid guesswork and gain buy-in from the people who will use — and champion — the app. 

Set KPIs That Go Beyond Downloads 

Success isn’t just about how many people download your app. It’s about what they do with it. 

Your KPIs should reflect both usage and impact. Some examples might include: 

• % reduction in emissions per user over time 

• Number of sustainable actions completed (e.g. switching to greener tariffs, reducing travel emissions) 

• Employee engagement with sustainability tools 

• Decrease in helpdesk tickets due to clearer usage insights 

Aligning digital success metrics with your sustainability strategy allows you to demonstrate ROI — not just in terms of tech investment, but environmental value too. 

Think MVP, But Keep the Vision Clear 

We always encourage our clients to start with a Minimum Viable Product — something focused, testable, and quick to launch. But that doesn’t mean small thinking. 

In fact, mapping out a long-term roadmap (even at a high level) helps you make smart decisions in the short term — like choosing the right data integrations, building scalable architecture, and laying the groundwork for future features. 

You’re not just building an app. You’re building a tool that could be central to your Net Zero journey. 

Next Up: Designing the Right Features 

In Blog 3, we’ll look at what goes into a successful Net Zero app — from real-time data to behavioural nudges — and how to design features that users actually want to engage with. 

Need help with discovery or scoping? 

 At Vidatec, we work with clients across sectors to turn complex sustainability goals into clear digital roadmaps.