Comparing sustainability claims: climate neutral, carbon positive, net zero
In the ever-changing landscape of environmental discourse, a lexicon has emerged that attempts to encapsulate various approaches to tackling climate change. Terms such as “climate neutral”, “climate positivity”, “carbon negative” and “net zero” have emerged as buzzwords in the sustainability industry and used by businesses to market their environmentally friendly practices.
Thinking about sustainability as a process, the starting line is climate neutrality while the journey involves achieving net zero by mid-century. The ultimate destination is to become climate positive or carbon negative.
In other words, climate neutrality involves the absorption of more emissions than we emit once we've reduced as much as is needed – which would be by an average of 90%, depending on the sector, to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Companies like Google, PepsiCo and Patagonia have used sustainability claims such as “net zero” and “carbon neutral” in relaying their sustainability efforts. While these phrases may sound promising, they are elusive and may confuse consumers. Understanding the nuances of each term is crucial for individuals, businesses, and policymakers striving to develop a sustainable future.
What are some common terms and what do they mean?
Climate Neutrality
Climate neutral means that whatever greenhouse gases you release to the atmosphere, you also attempt to take an equal amount out. Achieving climate neutrality involves working to reduce emissions and investing in projects that remove or offset an equivalent number of emissions from the atmosphere.
Carbon Neutrality
Carbon neutral means that any carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by a company is balanced by the removal of an equivalent amount.
Carbon Negativity
Carbon negative involves the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that are greater than emissions. Achieving carbon negativity often involves the deployment of innovative technologies or practices.
Carbon Positivity
A marketing term, “carbon positive” is interchangeable with carbon negative and “climate positive.” The ambiguity of this term raises questions about its true impact on environmental discourse.
Net Zero
Net zero refers to a point in time wherein the amount of greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere is equal to those produced by human activity. Achieving net zero involves complex challenges, including defining the scope of emissions. The lack of standardized accounting methods has led to inflated claims of net-zero status.
Carbon Neutral vs. Net Zero
While "carbon neutral" and "net zero" are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference between them:
Carbon neutrality refers to the balancing of the amount of carbon emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. It only focuses on carbon emissions and does not necessarily require reducing other greenhouse gases.
Net zero refers to balancing between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. It includes carbon emissions and greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. A company is only considered to have reached net-zero when it has achieved its long-term science-based target and neutralized any residual emissions.
Is achieving Climate Neutrality or Net Zero required?
Countries all over the world have created laws that include some of the climate claims discussed. Here are a few that have been developed to encourage all sectors to increase their sustainability efforts:
Executive Order 14067: A Net Zero legislation
Referred to as The Federal Sustainability Plan, President Joe Biden's Executive Order 14057 on catalyzing American clean energy industries and jobs through Federal sustainability outlines an ambitious path to achieve net-zero emissions across all Federal operations by 2050. It aims to achieve a 65% emission reduction from Federal operations by 2030.
The European Union’s Net Zero Industry Act
Introduced in March 2023, the Net Zero Industry Act aims to establish a framework that strengthens the EU’s net-zero technology products and manufacturing eco system. Its goal is to ensure that the EU domestically manufactures at least 40% of its clean energy technology needs by 2030. It will attract sustainability-driven investments and improve market access for clean tech in the EU.
The European Climate Change Law
The European Climate Change Law aims to push the EU towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The law set a target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 involves cutting emissions and investing in green technologies.
How is Carbon Neutrality achieved?
Reducing emissions: Reducing emissions involves implementing measures to decrease the overall amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Using AI, platforms like Footprint makes it easier for media and technology companies to reduce their emissions.
Balancing emissions through offsetting: Balancing emissions through offsetting involves investing in projects that remove or reduce an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to compensate for emissions generated elsewhere. These include supporting renewable energy projects and reforestation initiatives.
At Footprint Intelligence, we recommend focusing directly on net zero, emphasizing a decarbonization-first approach.
How can Net Zero be reached?
Achieving net zero carbon emissions for a company involves a comprehensive strategy that includes reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and offsetting or sequestering any remaining emissions. Here's a step-by-step approach:
1. Analyze your current carbon footprint
The first step is to measure the company's current carbon emissions. This includes direct emissions from company-owned and controlled sources (Scope 1), indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity or heat (Scope 2), and all other indirect emissions (Scope 3) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.
2. Set science-based goals
After understanding the current carbon footprint, the company should set realistic targets for reducing emissions. These targets should be in line with scientific consensus and industry standards to ensure they are meaningful and effective.
3. Implement reduction strategies
Energy efficiency: Increase energy efficiency across operations. This can include upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, improving building insulation, and implementing energy management systems.
Renewable energy: Transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power for company operations.
Sustainable transportation: Adopt sustainable transportation methods, such as electric vehicles for company fleets and encouraging public transport, biking, or walking for employees.
Waste reduction: Implement waste reduction and recycling programs to minimize waste generated by company operations.
4. Engage the supply chain
Work with suppliers to reduce their carbon emissions. This can involve choosing suppliers with lower carbon footprints, working with existing suppliers to reduce their emissions, or investing in technologies that help reduce emissions in the supply chain.
5. Offset remaining emissions
After reducing emissions as much as possible, the remaining emissions can be offset. This is typically done through investments in environmental projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or carbon capture technologies.
6. Report regularly
Regularly report on emissions and reduction efforts. This should be done in a transparent and verifiable manner, often involving third-party verification.
7. Constantly improve
Continuously seek ways to improve and reduce emissions further. This involves staying informed about new technologies and practices and adapting the strategy as necessary.
8. Engage employees and foster corporate culture
Foster a culture of sustainability within the organization. Educate employees about their carbon footprint and involve them in the company’s efforts to reduce emissions.
Achieving net zero is a challenging but increasingly important goal for companies, especially in the context of global efforts to combat climate change. It requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to invest in sustainable practices and technologies.
Final Words
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the importance of clear and standardized terminology cannot be overstated. Confusion surrounding claims like climate neutral, carbon neutral, climate positivity, carbon negative, and net zero poses a significant challenge to meaningful progress. It is important for stakeholders across all sectors to collaborate in establishing transparent definitions, metrics, and practices to ensure that the pursuit of sustainable development is not characterized by ambiguity and greenwashing.
At Footprint Intelligence, we take pride in helping media, digital and technology companies reduce their carbon emissions and increase climate transparency.