The terms like “carbon neutral” and “net zero” are increasingly featuring in operational business discussions, but what does this actually mean? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and implications. Understanding these concepts is crucial for organisations, policymakers and individuals committed to reducing their carbon footprint and mitigating climate change.

What is carbon neutral?

Carbon neutral refers to a state in which an organisation’s carbon emissions are compensated for through offsets. This is achieved by calculating how much carbon is being emitted and then finding ways to reduce that amount through actions like planting trees or investing in renewable energy. This does not necessarily mean that no carbon is emitted, but rather that the emissions effectively cancel out.

Carbon neutrality helps to reduce the overall impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. It is an important step towards combating climate change.

How to achieve carbon neutrality

1. Measure carbon footprint: The first step to becoming carbon neutral is to measure your carbon footprint. This involves calculating the total greenhouse gas emissions produced directly and indirectly by your activities.
2. Reduce emissions: Implement strategies to reduce emissions. This can include improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, reducing energy waste, and adopting sustainable practices in daily operations.
3. Offset remaining emissions: Invest in carbon offset projects to compensate for any remaining emissions. These projects can include reforestation, renewable energy projects, and initiatives aimed at reducing emissions in developing countries.
4. Monitor and report: Continuously monitor your emissions and report on your progress. Transparency is key to ensuring that your carbon neutrality efforts are credible and effective.

Carbon neutral certification

Many organisations seek carbon neutral certification from recognised bodies to validate their efforts. Certification provides assurance to stakeholders that the organisation is genuinely committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has met the necessary standards to achieve carbon neutrality. PAS 2060 is the internationally recognised standard to help organisations demonstrate their carbon neutrality. It sets out the requirements for quantifying, reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for organisations and products.

What is net zero?

Net zero refers to a long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to ensure the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere. Net zero targets are typically more ambitious than carbon neutral targets, as they aim to address all types of greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide.

Key components of net zero

1. Reduce emissions: The primary focus of net zero is on reducing emissions at the source. This involves implementing comprehensive strategies across all sectors to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Carbon removal: To achieve net zero, it is necessary to remove any remaining emissions from the atmosphere. This can be done through natural processes like reforestation or technological solutions such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
3. Lifecycle analysis: Net zero requires a thorough analysis of emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of products and services, from production to disposal, to ensure that all emissions are accounted for and minimised.
4. Long-term commitment: Achieving net zero is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and enhance carbon removal capacities.

The path to net zero by 2050

Many organisations and governments have set ambitious net zero 2050 targets, aiming to drastically cut emissions within the next decade. These targets are crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Achieving these goals requires comprehensive carbon reduction strategies, including energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and adopting sustainable practices across all sectors.

Carbon neutral vs. net zero: Key differences

While both concepts aim to mitigate climate change, the primary difference lies in their scope and approach:

• Carbon neutral focuses on balancing carbon dioxide emissions with offsets, without necessarily reducing the emissions themselves.
• Net zero encompasses all greenhouse gases and prioritises reducing emissions as much as possible.

Challenges and opportunities

In summary, while carbon neutral and net zero both aim to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, net zero involves a more comprehensive approach to addressing all greenhouse gases and requires a stronger emphasis on reducing emissions at the source.

Achieving net zero is a complex and challenging goal that requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and levels of society. However, it also presents significant opportunities for innovation and economic growth. By transitioning to a low-carbon economy, we can all create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Becoming a net zero business has never been more important.

We’re here to help

At Zenergi, we are committed to helping organisations like yours understand and achieve their carbon reduction goals. Through our net zero methodology, we’ll thoroughly evaluate your sustainability goals, and help you take proactive steps to create and execute an achievable net zero plan. Let us show you how easy it is to drastically reduce your carbon emissions output and start saving on energy consumption. Join us in powering a sustainable future.