Is net zero even possible without open data with Gavin Starks
Description
The UK’s 2025 Data Act marks a turning point in how data is shared and governed. Just as common standards in telecoms and banking unlocked innovation, trusted data could be the key to credible climate action. But with carbon reporting fragmented and confidence in the numbers low, can open data really help us reach net zero?
In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Gavin Starks, founder of Icebreaker One, about why net zero is impossible without shared, reliable data. They draw lessons from open banking—how standards, governance, and collaboration turned a technical challenge into a multi-billion-pound ecosystem—and ask what it would take to do the same for climate.
They also spotlight Icebreaker One’s project Perseus, which is building the data infrastructure to automate SME sustainability reporting and connect emissions data directly with green finance. By cutting friction for small businesses and giving banks numbers they can trust, Perseus shows how shared data can turn compliance into opportunity.
Episode Highlights:
01:00 – An introduction to Gavin.
01:25 – When we talk about open data in the context of climate action, what do we actually mean?
04:17 – The parallels between open banking and net zero.
06:25 – David’s thoughts: Finding clarity in carbon reporting.
07:47 – The current crisis in carbon reporting.
11:05 – When it comes to getting this right, 90% of the work is governance.
13:37 – David’s thoughts: The power of narrow use cases.
15:02 – Why open banking was a success.
16:54 – When it comes to sustainability, compliance should really be the floor and opportunity should be the ceiling.
19:04 – David’s thoughts: The 2025 UK Data Act.
20:43 – Why 2025 is an inflection point for data in the UK.
22:57 – What does Gavin think will happen next?
25:53 – Is net zero even possible without open data?
About Zühlke:
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation at its core. We help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – running smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.
Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in technology strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We thrive in complex, regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance, connecting strategy, implementation, and operations to help clients build more effective and resilient businesses.
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