Net zero means reaching a balance between the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and the greenhouse gases removed from it.
For a business, reaching net zero involves measuring its greenhouse gas emissions and making substantial reductions across the relevant parts of its operations and value chain. This includes reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency, switching away from fossil fuels, using lower-carbon sources of energy and working with suppliers to reduce indirect emissions.
Some greenhouse gas emissions may be difficult to eliminate completely. At net zero, these residual emissions are balanced by an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas removal.
Net zero is therefore different from simply purchasing carbon offsets against an existing carbon footprint. The priority is to reduce emissions as far as possible before addressing the emissions that remain.
The UK also has a legally binding national target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Businesses can contribute to that transition by understanding their own emissions and developing an appropriate carbon reduction plan.
