For years, “Carbon Neutral” was the buzzword in politics and business. But the problem with this is that it made it sound like once companies hit that mark, we’d have climate change sorted.
As it turns out, that isn’t the case.
Being carbon-neutral means companies focus more on offsetting emissions than removing them completely. And while offsetting is all well and good, it doesn’t reduce the carbon output.
It just prolongs the problem.
The science is clear: cutting emissions completely at the source is the only way to reduce emissions effectively.
So, instead of carbon neutrality through offsetting, businesses need to ditch Carbon Neutral goals and swap them for Net Zero instead.
Reaching Net Zero isn’t about being carbon neutral, it’s about bringing your emissions down to practically zero.Companies with Net Zero goals not only cut emissions but also implement techniques and systems that actively yank carbon out of the atmosphere.
How?
By reducing or removing energy waste in their day-to-day working activities, swapping from power-consuming to energy-efficient equipment and tech. But most importantly, they switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Net Zero isn’t a walk in the park for industries that rely heavily on carbon. It’s a long-haul gig that needs serious commitment and cash. But it’s not just about saving the planet; it’s about ensuring your business can withstand climate change.
Heavyweights like Easyjet, Google and Nestle have recently ditched carbon-neutral goals and gone all-in on Net Zero. It indicates that they realise that tackling climate change goes way beyond offsetting emissions.
And if they can do it, you can too.
The shift from Carbon Neutral to Net Zero means getting serious about cutting emissions, not just offsetting them. It’s a change that recognises that we need a comprehensive strategy to safeguard our planet and ensure a sustainable future.
If you’re ready to switch your goals, speak to us.
Working with Certified Sustainable means you achieve a sustainability accreditation through our Sustainability Impact Reports (SIR). Our SIR reports evaluate and measure your environmental impact, providing a comprehensive picture of where you are now and what you need to reach your sustainability goals.
To learn more before committing, check out our article, How will a sustainability impact report benefit your business?
