{"id":15801,"date":"2022-04-18T02:47:05","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T02:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/energytracker.asia\/?p=15801"},"modified":"2022-04-27T06:58:10","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T06:58:10","slug":"carbon-neutral-vs-net-zero-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/energytracker.asia\/carbon-neutral-vs-net-zero-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Carbon Neutral vs Net Zero: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There is widespread confusion when it comes to the terms “net-zero<\/a><\/strong>” and “carbon-neutral<\/strong>.” Even professionals trying to map out their company\u2019s efforts, targets and initiatives related to climate action and climate change often struggle to navigate the universe of related adjectives and general terminology. Doing it correctly, however, is critical. In the world of conscious investors and consumers, companies caught using the wrong terminology can be accused of greenwashing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon Neutral vs Net Zero vs Absolute Zero \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between carbon neutral and net-zero<\/strong> is that “Net-zero<\/a>” refers to the overall balance between the produced greenhouse gas emissions and the greenhouse gas emissions absorbed from the atmosphere over a specific period, while being carbon neutral means that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted equals the amount absorbed over a particular period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both carbon neutrality and net-zero have similarities, but the net-zero has much broader coverage. Carbon neutrality refers only to CO2<\/sub> emissions, whereas net-zero relates to all greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide<\/a>, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Net-zero GHG emissions are the state of balance between the greenhouse gas emissions produced and the emissions that a company, an industry, a country, or a region can compensate for. Humanity can achieve net zero when it no longer contributes to global warming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cabsolute zero\u201d concept, on the other hand, describes a state where one does not emit any greenhouse gases at all. It refers to an absence of emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"CO2<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Does Climate Positive Mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Climate positive means that a company goes beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions and removes more emissions from the atmosphere than it emits. Unfortunately, humanity has a lot of work to do before such concepts become a reality and can go mainstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Companies Map Out Their \u201cNet-Zero Emissions\u201d or \u201cAbsolute Zero\u201d Targets?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Organisations start by calculating and tracking their emissions. By issuing sustainability reports, they can take an honest position and let the world know about their real climate impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company can then focus on eliminating, neutralising and compensating<\/a> for them through a set of measures. Among the easiest and most popular ones is the purchase of carbon credits. The carbon offsetting process allows for the compensation of emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. However, this practice is highly controversial<\/a>, and leading organisations<\/a> consider it to be a way of brushing the problem under the carpet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other measures to reduce carbon emissions include installing new technologies for energy efficiency and replacing fossil fuels electricity or power generation with clean energy sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, these measures can only prove effective if companies require the same from their suppliers. Nowadays, climate-conscious companies not only limit their Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions but also account for Scope 3 emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Furthermore, the most proactive companies also apply carbon accounting frameworks to maintain total transparency in front of the public and regulators. To achieve net-zero emissions, these measures are critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Scope
Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 Emissions. Source: GHG Protocol<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:<\/strong> The Companies Leading by Example<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These days, companies are racing to issue ambitious climate pledges. However, there is no real way for them to be held accountable. While virtually no company has a 100% clean reputation, there are plenty of bright examples of companies actively working towards achieving their climate commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IKEA, for example, aims to become climate positive<\/a> by 2030. This involves reducing more of its GHG emissions than its value chain emits. To do this, it will take responsibility for the emissions generated by its customers, suppliers, and its sourcing areas. Its measures<\/a> to achieve this include relying on 100% renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and removing and storing carbon through forestry, agriculture and products. It aims to invest and advocate for change as well as other measures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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