What is net zero? A primer on global climate goals
Net zero is a frequently used term in discussions about climate change and environmental goals. It is crucial to understand what it means and its significance.
Defining net zero
Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases (GhGs) emitted into the atmosphere and those removed from it. According to the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, net zero requires either completely eliminating or offsetting all GhG emissions. The aim? Ensuring that the total amount of emissions produced is effectively canceled out by the amount removed, resulting in a net total of zero emissions. This balance is essential to limit global warming and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C is crucial to avoid severe consequences. This target requires that GhG emissions peak by 2025 and decline thereafter. This ambitious goal underscores the need for immediate and sustained efforts across all sectors of society.
Carbon neutral vs. net zero
While often used interchangeably, carbon neutral and net zero are not the same. Carbon neutrality focuses solely on balancing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, whereas net zero addresses all GhGs, including methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Achieving net zero necessitates strategies to reduce all types of emissions, not just CO2.
Carbon neutrality involves offsetting the amount of CO2 emitted through investments in projects that remove or capture an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. These projects can include reforestation, renewable energy installations or carbon capture and storage technologies. Their aim is to make sure that the net impact on atmospheric CO2 levels is zero.
Net zero, on the other hand, is a broader and more ambitious goal. It requires addressing all GhGs, which include not only CO2, but also other potent greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide, and various fluorinated gases. These gases, although present in smaller quantities than CO2, have a much higher global warming potential and thus significantly contribute to climate change.
Developing a net zero strategy
To create an effective net zero strategy, businesses must conduct thorough assessments of their current GhG emissions. This means tracking emissions from all aspects of their operations, including energy use, manufacturing processes and supply chains. Professional expertise is often required to accurately assess and manage these emissions.
Equans offers specialised services, such as our Carbon Shift solution, to help businesses develop and implement effective net zero strategies. This includes adopting renewable energy sources, an increase in energy efficiency and investing in carbon offset projects. These solutions guarantee that all sources of emissions are accounted for and addressed, making it possible for businesses to aim for meaningful progress towards their net zero targets.
A robust net zero strategy also involves setting clear, science-based targets for emission reductions. This means establishing specific, measurable goals for reducing emissions across all parts of the business. Regular reporting on progress towards these targets is essential as far as accountability is concerned, and to identify areas where additional efforts are needed.
First steps towards net zero
Key steps towards achieving net zero include:
- Adopting renewable energy sources: investing in solar, wind or other renewable energy systems can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels. These renewable energy solutions not only lower emissions but can also provide long-term cost savings for companies. Equans offers a range of renewable energy solutions, including the installation and management of solar panels and wind turbines, tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses and help them transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Enhancing energy efficiency: implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can lower overall energy consumption. This includes upgrading equipment, optimising manufacturing processes, and improving building insulation and heating systems. Equans provides energy efficiency services, such as energy audits, retrofitting buildings with energy-efficient technologies and optimizing industrial processes to reduce energy use and emissions.
- Offsetting remaining emissions: investing in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or carbon capture and storage, can help balance out unavoidable emissions. These projects effectively remove or capture greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, contributing to the overall reduction of global emissions. Equans supports businesses in identifying and investing in high-quality carbon offset projects that align with their sustainability goals, ensuring that these offsets are credible and provide real environmental benefits.
By leveraging these solutions, businesses can make significant progress towards achieving their net zero goals, contributing to a sustainable and resilient future. Equans' expertise in energy solutions and emissions management ensures that companies receive tailored support to meet their specific needs and targets.
