‘Carbon neutral’ and ‘net zero’ are common terms used within sustainability and are often mistakenly used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences.
Definitions
Carbon neutrality is the process of balancing emitted carbon and absorbing carbon emissions through carbon sinks. To achieve carbon neutrality, a company must calculate their carbon footprint and then offset these emissions.
Net zero implies reducing greenhouse gas emissions as close as possible to zero while ensuring that the emissions which cannot be reduced are removed from the atmosphere.
Key differences:
- Carbon neutrality does not rely on any actual emissions reductions.
- Net zero must be verified by a 3rd party.
- Carbon neutrality covers scopes 1 and 2, and scope 3 is encouraged. Net zero covers all 3 scopes.
Carbon neutral
Carbon neutrality can be claimed under several programmes, with the most widely recognised standard being the BSI PAS 2060 program. BSI PAS 2060 assures both the carbon accounting and purchasing of offsets. This is done through the submission and verification of your emissions calculations and methodology.
Net Zero
Similarly, your emission reduction targets can be recognised as net zero aligned by bodies such as the Science-Based Target Initiative, which developed the world's first framework for corporate net-zero target setting.
With increasing government regulations, it is expected that Net Zero demands across a range of sectors and company sizes will increase in tandem. Being proactive can help you to stay ahead of the regulatory curve and mitigate risks.