{"id":13624,"date":"2024-05-30T16:13:32","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T20:13:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solutionswill.com\/?p=13624"},"modified":"2025-05-01T17:44:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T21:44:14","slug":"net-zero-definition-understanding-and-achieving-climate-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/solutionswill.com\/en\/net-zero-definition-understanding-and-achieving-climate-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"Net Zero Explained: How to Achieve It in Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”23px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#29524A” text_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Net zero<\/strong> is often seen as a distant utopia, but today it is an essential roadmap. This concept, which combines emissions reduction and carbon offsets, is redefining organizations’ climate strategies.<\/p>\n

Net Zero : Definitions<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

The IPCC provides the following net-zero definition: zero net emissions is the level at which global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (generated by human activities) will be balanced by anthropogenic removals (IPCC, SR15<\/strong><\/span><\/a>).<\/p>\n

In other words, it’s a strategy aimed at not increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This approach is crucial to countering temperature increase and meeting global climate plans and targets.<\/p>\n

Net zero 2030<\/strong>: This ambitious objective aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, by drastically reducing emissions at source while accelerating offset projects. It often concerns leading companies or organizations that want to act quickly to limit global warming in the short term.<\/p>\n

Net zero 2050<\/strong>: This scenario is aligned with global commitments to keep global warming below 1.5\u00b0C, as set out in the Paris Agreement. It involves a gradual transition, enabling the highest-emitting sectors to reduce their emissions at a realistic pace while adopting long-term technological solutions.<\/p>\n

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What’s the difference between net zero emissions, carbon neutrality and traditional emissions reductions?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(41,82,74,0.07)” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#29524A” text_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Unlike traditional methods focusing exclusively on reducing direct and indirect emissions, net zero emissions goals represents a global strategy<\/strong>. This includes not only reducing emissions, but also offsetting residual emissions through recognized and effective practices such as <\/strong>the voluntary carbon market<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#29524A” text_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What’s the difference between carbon neutrality and net zero?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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Apart from the net zero definition, other related concepts are worth mentioning. Net-zero-emissions still differs from carbon-neutral (climate neutral) targets in being more precise about carbon-offset criteria, as presented in the table below:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality or Net Zero ?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#f0b32c 0%|#f04e2a 100%” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”corner-blob” background_mask_color=”#2A524C” background_mask_transform=”flip_vertical” background_mask_aspect_ratio=”portrait” custom_padding=”|30px||30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#29524A” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nCarbon Neutrality<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nNet Zero<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Definition <\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nTerm coined under the Kyoto Protocol in the late 1990s. A company achieves carbon neutrality when its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are fully offset (in equivalent tons) by carbon credits. (The definition of carbon neutrality does not therefore imply any notion of upstream decarbonization through reduction projects).<\/span><\/td>\nAccording to the IPCC<\/strong>, the net zero definition is reached when global emissions of greenhouse gases caused by human activities are fully offset by absorptions of the same gases, also due to human actions.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scope of application<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nOrganizations are free to choose the scope of emissions included in their carbon footprint.<\/span><\/td>\nAccording to the SBTi standard, all direct and indirect emissions must be included, across the entire value chain. Must include scope 1, 2 (95%) and 3 (67%)<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Emissions reduction requirements (emissions targets)<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nNo regulations or requirements are associated with reductions.<\/span><\/td>\nAmbitious emissions reductions aligned with climate science, consistent with the IPCC’s 1.5\u00b0C trajectory.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Climate contribution<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nCarbon offsetting can take the form of avoidance, reduction or sequestration projects.<\/span><\/td>\nUp to net zero, offsetting can be achieved through carbon avoidance, reduction or sequestration projects. Thereafter, the neutralization of residual emissions (after reduction) is achieved solely through sequestration projects, to remove carbon from the atmosphere.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Examples\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nA company can declare itself on scope 1 and 2, and ignore scope 3, then declare itself carbon-neutral on the said scope.<\/span><\/td>\nA company follows SBTi, standards and climate science to declare net zero on scopes 1 and 2. This will take more time and effort to implement, but the company will gain the trust of its stakeholders.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Related certifications<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nOnly the norm PAS 2060<\/strong><\/a><\/span> is the benchmark for certifying carbon neutrality<\/span><\/td>\nJoin the SBTi movement<\/strong><\/a><\/span> to be listed on their website as an organization committed to Net Zero 2030 or 2050<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Types of participating organizations<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nSmall, medium-sized and large companies, NPOs and public authorities. More participation because less demanding and more realistically achievable for organizations with ESG departments and limited resources and budgets.<\/span><\/td>\nPrimarily aimed at large companies with substantial resources and budgets. Because of their size and leadership positions, public opinion is more demanding of these companies and organizations, which therefore redouble their efforts to meet the expectations of the market and all stakeholders in society in achieving global net zero objectives.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Definition” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: Term coined under the Kyoto Protocol in the late 1990s. A company achieves carbon neutrality when its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are fully offset (in equivalent tons) by carbon credits. (The definition of carbon neutrality does not therefore imply any notion of upstream decarbonization through reduction projects). <\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero<\/strong>: According to the IPCC<\/strong>, the net zero definition is reached when global emissions of greenhouse gases caused by human activities are fully offset by absorptions of the same gases, also due to human actions.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Scope of application” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: Organizations are free to choose the scope of emissions included in their carbon footprint. <\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero<\/strong>: According to the SBTi standard, all direct and indirect emissions must be included, across the entire value chain. Must include scope 1, 2 (95%)<\/strong> and 3 (67%)<\/strong>.
<\/span><\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Emissions reduction requirements (emissions targets)” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: No regulations or requirements are associated with reductions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero <\/strong>: Ambitious emissions reductions aligned with climate science, consistent with the IPCC’s 1.5\u00b0C trajectory.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Climate contribution” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: Carbon offsetting can take the form of avoidance, reduction or sequestration projects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero <\/strong>: Up to net zero, offsetting can be achieved through carbon avoidance, reduction or sequestration projects. Thereafter, the neutralization of residual emissions (after reduction) is achieved solely through sequestration projects, to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Examples” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: A company can declare itself on scope 1 and 2, and ignore scope 3, then declare itself carbon-neutral on the said scope.
<\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero<\/strong>: A company follows SBTi, standards and climate science to declare net zero on scopes 1 and 2. This will take more time and effort to implement, but the company will gain the trust of its stakeholders.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Related certifications\t” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: Only the norm PAS 2060<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> is the benchmark for certifying carbon neutrality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero<\/strong>: Join the SBTi movement<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span> to be listed on their website as an organization committed to Net Zero 2030 or 2050<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Types of participating organizations” open_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#2A524C” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(170,187,169,0.15)” icon_color=”#F04E2A” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#F04E2A” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2A524C” title_font=”|600|||||||” title_font_size=”22px” title_line_height=”1.2em” closed_title_font=”|600|||||||” closed_title_font_size=”22px” closed_title_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#2A524C” body_font_size=”16px” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_font_size_tablet=”16px” body_font_size_phone=”16px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carbon Neutrality<\/strong>: Small, medium-sized and large companies, NPOs and public authorities. More participation because less demanding and more realistically achievable for organizations with ESG departments and limited resources and budgets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Net Zero<\/strong>: Primarily aimed at large companies with substantial resources and budgets. Because of their size and leadership positions, public opinion is more demanding of these companies and organizations, which therefore redouble their efforts to meet the expectations of the market and all stakeholders in society in achieving global net zero objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

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Do you have net zero emissions or carbon neutral targets? <\/a>Contact our carbon portfolio managers<\/a><\/span>,<\/strong> who can advise you on our premium carbon credits and the climate contribution plan best suited to your objectives! Also, get peace of mind to produce your next ESG annual report.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Why should companies aim for net zero?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#29524A” custom_margin=”||25px|||” title_text_align_tablet=”center” title_text_align_phone=”center” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”22px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_text_color=”#29524A” text_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”||1px|||” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|tablet” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Achieving net zero is not just a climate imperative, it’s also a strategic opportunity for businesses. Here are some key benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Meeting the growing expectations of stakeholders
<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n