Residual Emissions
Residual emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions that remain after an organisation has implemented all feasible reduction measures, representing the gap that must be addressed through carbon removal to achieve net zero.
What is Residual Emissions?
The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard defines residual emissions as those remaining after deep decarbonisation — typically no more than 5–10% of base year emissions. These emissions cannot be further reduced with current technology or at reasonable cost. To reach net zero, residual emissions must be neutralised by permanent carbon removals (not avoidance offsets). Identifying and minimising residual emissions is a key element of credible net zero planning.
Practical Examples
A company reduces Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 92% through electrification and renewables, with 8% remaining as residual emissions from process sources that must be addressed through carbon removal.
A professional services firm projects that business travel and purchased goods will be its main residual emissions, investing in DAC removal credits to neutralise them.
How Climatise Helps
Climatise models your emission reduction trajectory to project residual emissions at your net zero target date, informing your carbon removal procurement strategy.
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