Terms of Business

Last updated: December 2024

1. Service Agreement

These Terms of Business govern the professional relationship between Net Zero One ("we," "us," or "the Company") and our clients for the provision of ESG consultancy, sustainability reporting, and climate compliance services. By engaging our services, you ("Client") agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

2. Scope of Services

Our virtual consultancy services include but are not limited to:

• ESG reporting and strategy development

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance

• Net zero strategy formulation and implementation support

• Supply chain sustainability assessments and reporting

• California Climate Disclosure (SB 253 & SB 261) compliance

• Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) submissions and validation

• Government and NHS supplier reporting compliance (PPN-06/21)

• Sustainability certification and verification services

• Carbon footprint assessments and third-party assurance coordination

• Training, capacity building, and ongoing advisory support

3. Engagement Process

All engagements begin with a detailed scoping discussion and written proposal outlining:

• Specific deliverables and timeline

• Fee structure and payment schedule

• Key assumptions and dependencies

• Roles and responsibilities of both parties

• Communication protocols and project management approach

Work commences only upon signed acceptance of our proposal and these Terms of Business.

4. Client Obligations

To ensure successful project delivery, Clients agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information required for service delivery

• Grant appropriate access to relevant personnel, systems, and documentation

• Designate a primary point of contact with decision-making authority

• Respond promptly to requests for information, feedback, or approvals

• Participate actively in scheduled meetings and review sessions

• Make payments according to agreed terms and schedules

• Maintain confidentiality of our proprietary methodologies and intellectual property

• Provide feedback on deliverables within agreed timeframes

5. Payment Terms and Conditions

Unless otherwise specified in the engagement proposal:

• Invoices are payable within 30 days of receipt unless otherwise agreed

• Late payment charges of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) apply to overdue amounts

• Projects exceeding £10,000 may require 50% advance payment or staged milestone payments

• All fees are exclusive of applicable VAT and other taxes

• Reasonable expenses incurred in service delivery are charged at cost with documentation

• We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts more than 30 days overdue

• Currency exchange rates (if applicable) are fixed at the time of invoice generation

6. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Net Zero One maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information and business affairs:

• All client data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation

• Confidential information will not be disclosed without prior written consent

• Data security measures include encrypted storage and secure transmission protocols

• Client data is retained only as long as necessary for service delivery and legal compliance

• We may disclose information where required by law, court order, or professional standards

• Anonymized case studies may be developed for research and marketing purposes

7. Professional Standards and Quality

Net Zero One's services are delivered in accordance with:

• International ESG reporting frameworks (GRI, SASB, TCFD, ISSB)

• European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)

• Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodologies and criteria

• Relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards

• Professional consultancy codes of conduct and ethics

• Industry best practices and emerging standards

• Continuous professional development and technical updates

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim

• We exclude liability for indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages

• Net Zero One is not liable for loss of profits, revenue, business opportunities, or reputation

• Client management decisions based on our advice remain the Client's responsibility

• Net Zero One is not liable for changes in laws, regulations, or standards after service completion

• Force majeure events excuse performance delays beyond our reasonable control

• Claims must be brought within 12 months of service completion

9. Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property arrangements are as follows:

• Net Zero One retain ownership of our methodologies, tools, templates, and know-how

• Client-specific deliverables become Client property upon full payment

• Clients grant us rights to use anonymized outcomes for research and development

• Third-party intellectual property rights are respected and acknowledged

• Pre-existing client intellectual property remains with the Client

• Joint intellectual property developed during engagement requires separate agreement

10. Termination and Suspension

Engagement termination provisions:

• Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice without cause

• Immediate termination is permitted for material breach after 14 days cure period

• Payment is due for all services provided up to the termination date

• Net Zero will provide reasonable transition assistance at standard rates

• Confidentiality and intellectual property obligations survive termination

• Client materials will be returned or securely destroyed as requested

• Work product completed to termination date will be delivered upon payment

11. Dispute Resolution

Disputes will be resolved through the following escalation process:

• Good faith negotiations between designated representatives

• Mediation through a mutually agreed neutral mediator

• Arbitration under ICC Rules if mediation is unsuccessful

• Courts of England and Wales retain jurisdiction as final resort

• English law governs these Terms and all related agreements

• Injunctive relief may be sought for confidentiality breaches

12. General Provisions

Additional terms and conditions:

• These Terms may only be amended by written agreement signed by both parties

• Engagement-specific variations will be documented in the relevant proposal

• Invalid provisions will be severed without affecting remaining terms

• No waiver of rights unless expressly made in writing

• These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties

• Assignment requires prior written consent except to affiliated entities

• Electronic signatures and communications are legally binding

13. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Business or to discuss our services:

Net Zero One
Virtual ESG & Sustainability Consultancy
Email: info@netzeroone.com
Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT
Emergency Contact: Available for urgent client matters
Professional Indemnity: Comprehensive coverage maintained