Carbon Neutral vs. Net Zero
The world is on the brink of a climate change crisis. As individuals, businesses, and governments strive to reduce their carbon footprints, two terms have emerged at the forefront of climate discussions: carbon neutrality and net zero emissions. Though they often appear interchangeable, there are important distinctions between these two initiatives that must be understood if we are to make meaningful progress towards climate goals.
In this resource, we'll explore the differences between net zero and carbon neutrality, as well as why both are essential in the fight against global warming.
The first step to understanding the differences between carbon neutrality and net zero emissions is to define the myriad of terms that you'll find associated with the field.
Let's start with the terms
Carbon neutral
Carbon neutrality means when a company, organization, or country offsets its total carbon emissions. Being carbon neutral means that their net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are zero over a given period.
Net-Zero
Net-zero carbon emissions (also referred to as "net zero" or "zero carbon") is when an organization, country, or other entity has reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the point that the total amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is equal to the amount absorbed by natural processes such as plant growth. Net Zero carbon means that the net amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is zero.
The key difference
The key difference between carbon neutrality and net-zero carbon emissions is that carbon neutrality seeks to reduce emissions to a point where they no longer have an impact on climate change, while net zero seeks to actively remove existing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Carbon neutral focuses more on reducing emissions, while net zero targets emissions plus removal.
We need both approaches working together – carbon neutrality and net zero carbon – to make headway in the global battle to combat climate change. It is only through a collective effort that we can achieve meaningful change and create a sustainable future for our planet.
With this knowledge, it is up to us as individuals, businesses, and governments to take responsibility for reducing emissions now, before it is too late. We must shift to renewable energy sources, reduce consumption of natural resources, and move towards carbon neutral and net zero emissions targets by 2030 or sooner.
How do we get to Carbon Neutrality by 2030?
To get to carbon neutrality by 2030, we must start now by making small changes in our everyday lives that can lead to big impacts on both the environment and our bottom lines. The main actions companies need to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:
Set goals and targets
Setting goals and targets is an essential first step in achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Companies should develop a plan to identify where emissions are coming from, set achievable milestones for reducing emissions, and commit to taking action. This includes Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain.
Increase efficiency
To reduce carbon emissions, companies must focus on efficiency and utilize renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind power. Additionally, they must shift to lower-emission production practices and methods of transportation.
Invest in renewable energy
Embracing renewable energy sources is key to reducing emissions. Companies should look for ways to invest in renewable energy projects - such as installing solar panels - and incorporate them into their operations.
Embrace sustainable practices and technologies
The transition to a sustainable future also means investing in and embracing new technologies and practices. Companies should look for ways to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and embrace green manufacturing practices. This could include motion sensor lights, launching a recycling program, or implementing an employee travel policy.
Offsett emissions
Companies also purchase carbon credits as a supplementary tool for removing additional carbon dioxide. Carbon offsets reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted through investing in projects at a global scale such as wind farms and protecting carbon sinks (such as forests or our ocean). While companies actively strive to achieve net zero ghg emissions, carbon offsetting can help ensure that the company is no longer contributing to climate change, but actively working towards its reversal.
Support public policy
Finally, companies should look for certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, or ENERGY STAR that indicate their organization is engaging in sustainable practices. These certifications can be beneficial when trying to attract and retain customers who care about the environment.
And what about Net Zero by 2050?
To reach net zero emissions by 2050, we’ll need to go beyond reducing emissions. We must also actively remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This can be done through techniques such as reforestation, forest conservation, soil sequestration, and direct air capture of carbon dioxide for carbon removals. Additionally, governments must fund research into new technologies and approaches that can help us reach neutral and net zero faster.
Getting to net zero and carbon neutrality is a difficult task, but the rewards are great. Not only will we experience an environmental benefit, but also a more prosperous future with increased economic opportunities. By understanding how our actions today can help us reach our goals in the future, we can create a better tomorrow for everyone.
Carbon neutral and net zero Standards and certifications
In a world where being carbon neutral and net zero emissions are becoming increasingly important goals, standards and certifications offer a way for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Here are some of the main certifications and standards that you should know about to be recognized as carbon neutral.
PAS 2060
PAS 2060 is one of the most popular carbon neutrality standards. It allows organizations operating in any country to obtain certification and be publicly recognized for achieving net zero emissions. It stands out due to its rigorous requirements and stringent verification process which ensure that all claims are accurate and verifiable. PAS 2060 has become the gold standard for carbon neutrality and is popular in countries around the world such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. It has also been adopted by some of the most influential companies in the world such as Microsoft, BP, and Unilever.
Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) provides unique guidance to organizations on setting science-based emissions targets that are tailored to their individual circumstances. This program has become increasingly popular in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan as it is one of the few certifications that emphasizes a company’s individualized reduction goals, rather than a threshold-based approach.
Carbon Trust Standard
The Carbon Trust Standard is another certification that is popular among many large companies. This program helps organizations measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions while also becoming more environmentally conscious. Furthermore, the Carbon Trust Standard provides guidance on setting reduction targets over time to make sure that businesses remain in compliance.
The GHG Protocol
The GHG Protocol also offers a carbon accounting framework for organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It is a carbon accounting framework used by organizations to measure, monitor and reduce their carbon footprints. It is widely popular in countries such as the USA, Australia, and Europe due to its ability to help businesses achieve significant emission reductions whilst advancing climate-friendly strategies. It stands out for providing reliable data measurement and reporting tools that are easy to implement.
X2060
X2060 is another popular standard for carbon neutrality. It requires organizations to measure their current carbon footprint and set reduction targets that are aligned with the Paris Agreement. This certification helps ensure that organizations remain accountable for their emissions and take proactive steps to reduce them. Additionally, it provides a roadmap for companies to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Pros and Cons of Carbon Neutral Pledges
Pledging to become carbon neutral or net zero is a commitment that businesses, organizations, and governments can make in order to reduce their emissions. While these pledges are often seen as beneficial, they also come with some drawbacks. One of the biggest pros of making a carbon neutrality pledge is that it provides a clear goal for organizations to aim for and provides a sense of accountability for meeting those goals. It can also be used as an effective tool for inspiring others to take similar actions, as well as being a good public relations move.
On the other hand, carbon neutrality pledges can come with some risks. For example, if organizations fail to meet their self-imposed goals, they could face public criticism and reputational damage. Additionally, some pledges may lack concrete action plans or do not include ways of verifying that the goals are being met. It is also important to note that carbon neutrality and net zero pledges are just one piece of a larger puzzle – real progress requires substantial changes in energy production and consumption.
Overall, making a carbon neutrality or net zero pledge can be an effective way for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions. However, it is important that these pledges are backed up with concrete action plans and ways of verifying progress. In addition, while positive steps can be taken by individual organizations this alone will not achieve our climate goals – we all must work together to make a difference.
Examples of Carbon Neutral Companies
There are many businesses and organizations around the world that have committed to becoming carbon neutral or net zero. Some of these examples include:
Microsoft has pledged to become carbon negative by 2030, with a goal of removing all the carbon it has emitted since it was founded in 1975 by 2050.
Amazon is aiming to be net zero across its entire business by 2040, with a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy use by 2030.
Unilever has pledged to be carbon neutral across all of its operations and products by 2030.
IKEA has committed to becoming completely climate neutral by 2030, with a goal of using only renewable and recycled materials in all products.
Apple has pledged to become carbon neutral across its entire supply chain by 2030.
Patagonia has committed to becoming net zero across all of its operations and product life cycles by 2025.
These examples demonstrate the power of collective action and show that businesses, organizations, and governments can make a difference in the fight against climate change. With more companies committing to carbon neutrality and net zero goals, it is possible to create a better future for us all.
Conclusion
The fight against climate change is a global effort and all of us have a role to play. Carbon neutrality pledges can be an effective way for businesses, organizations, and governments to demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions. By committing to net zero or carbon neutrality goals, companies can help create a more sustainable future and inspire others to do the same. With more companies joining the movement, we can build a better planet for us all.
