Net zero is a term heard around the globe – increasingly in the business world – in discussions about climate change. It refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere. Net Zero is the state where no new emissions are released into the atmosphere. It can only be achieved by eliminating virtually all of your emissions through changes to your business, and offsets are only permissible to remove hard-to-decarbonise emissions which are left – known as residual emissions.
There can often be some confusion between net zero and carbon neutrality. This is understandable, as the two concepts are similar, and the definition of carbon neutrality is relatively broad. Much easier to achieve than Net Zero, carbon neutrality is often used to mean that a company’s emissions are solely balanced by an equivalent amount of GHG removed or offset.
Emission Reduction
Emission reduction involves finding ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are produced by human activity. This can be accomplished by using cleaner sources of energy, such as wind and solar power, and by improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation.
Emission Removal
Emission removal involves finding ways to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This can be accomplished through a variety of means, such as reforestation, which involves planting more trees to absorb carbon dioxide, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), which involves capturing carbon dioxide before it is released into the atmosphere and storing it underground.
How Can These Changes Be Made?
For customers of businesses, this means that the goods and services they purchase from these businesses have a smaller carbon footprint, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. To achieve net zero, businesses must create action plans that outline specific steps they will take to reduce their emissions, such as investing in renewable energy or using more efficient transportation methods, and setting targets for reducing their emissions whilst regularly measuring and reporting on their progress.
One example of a corporate business that has promised to try and achieve net-zero carbon emissions is Microsoft. In January 2020, the company pledged to achieve net zero by 2030 and remove all the carbon it has emitted since its founding in 1975 by 2050. To achieve this goal, the company plans to reduce its carbon emissions through various methods, such as using renewable energy, improving its energy efficiency, and investing in carbon capture and storage technology.
Accomplishing the overall net zero goal is a crucial step in the fight against climate change. It involves reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity and finding ways to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Ambitious action, like that of Microsoft, is crucial to achieve this goal. By working together, we can create a better future for ourselves and for the planet.
Using Technology To Work Toward Net Zero
For a complimentary consultation, book in with our team to see how we can change the way you produce your business thinks about net zero and your carbon reporting.