.png)
As a business dedicated to achieving Net Zero by 2027, we plan to share extensive updates on our advancements and offer valuable insights for those embarking on this journey with us in the coming months and years.
At this initial stage of our commitment, we find it beneficial to pause and delve into the terminology that often dominates discussions about Net Zero. So, let's begin by examining the central term itself...
Net Zero
When discussions among businesses, governments, and scientists revolve around the concept of Net Zero, there may not be a universal consensus regarding its specific characteristics and the path to achieving it. Nevertheless, there is a general accord on its fundamental meaning.
In essence, Net Zero is the outcome of harmonizing the quantity of carbon introduced into the atmosphere with the amount removed. This equilibrium will be realized through a combination of diminishing carbon emissions (utilizing less polluting technology, etc.) and augmenting carbon removal efforts (such as tree planting).
When executed effectively, the result will be a state of 'Net Zero' carbon emissions into the atmosphere, or ideally, an overall reduction in carbon levels.
Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3
Expect to encounter frequent references to the three scopes employed for gauging progress toward achieving Net Zero. These scopes serve as the mechanism for assessing an organization's greenhouse gas emissions, and for genuine Net Zero attainment, concerted efforts are required to curtail emissions across all three categories.
Scope 1 emissions originate from sources directly owned or managed by the organization. An illustration of Scope 1 emissions includes the fuel consumption of fleet vehicles, such as petrol or diesel usage.
Scope 2 emissions extend this analysis by encompassing indirect emissions resulting from a business's activities, such as the procurement and utilization of energy. Using the fleet example again, transitioning to electric vehicles shifts the emissions burden to the electricity generation used to power them, categorizing these as Scope 2 emissions—beyond the direct control of the business but still within its responsibility.
Scope 3 emissions present a distinctive challenge in the quest for Net Zero status. These emissions neither stem from the business itself nor the activities or assets under its ownership or control. Instead, they manifest elsewhere in the supply chain. For instance, in the context of a company like Zen, consider the emissions generated in the manufacture and transportation of the routers used.
Although controlling Scope 3 emissions can pose significant challenges, collective commitment among businesses on the journey to Net Zero implies that one organization's Scope 3 emissions could correspond to another's Scope 1 or 2, fostering a collaborative approach to emission reduction.
Carbon Neutral
This term has been in circulation for quite some time and might initially seem synonymous with Net Zero. Similar to Net Zero, carbon neutrality seeks to establish a balance between releasing carbon into the atmosphere and sequestering carbon from it.
However, a distinction exists.
In broad terms, 'carbon neutrality' can be attained through offsetting, involving engagement or investment in initiatives aimed at compensating for carbon emissions elsewhere. This could entail activities such as investing in tree planting or green energy projects. In theory, a business could achieve carbon neutrality without making actual reductions to its own carbon output.
In contrast, Net Zero places a significantly greater emphasis on proactive carbon reduction, where a business's primary focus is on minimizing its own emissions, with offsetting considered as a secondary option.
Carbon footprint
You likely recognize this term, but what precisely does it entail? The carbon footprint is essentially the cumulative volume of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of the actions of individuals or businesses. This encompasses everything from commuting by car or plane to the operation of a kettle or the electricity consumption in a manufacturing facility.
Examples of methods for households and businesses to diminish their carbon footprint include opting for local produce, minimizing plastic usage, cutting down on unnecessary travel, and even lowering heating levels.
Greenwashing
Greenwashing involves the deceptive marketing or PR tactics that businesses employ to leverage the increasing interest in sustainability for their products or services. The assertions they present often portray the business positively, even when minimal or no substantial efforts have been made.
For instance, a business might assert that its product incorporates 'recycled materials,' yet the actual proportion of these materials in the product may be minimal. Such overstated claims have the potential to mislead customers about the business's true sustainability efforts.
It is crucial that any sustainability claims are substantiated by evidence and tangible actions. In the absence of such support, customers should exercise caution regarding the validity of the assertions being made.
Decarbonization
This term is commonly employed in a broad context, describing the undertaking of decreasing carbon emissions arising from human activities. It is a term preferred by businesses and governments to denote comprehensive endeavors aimed at diminishing or eliminating global CO2 emissions.
Science-based targets
That standard aims for an increase in global temperatures of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050.
We are committed to ensuring our data is accurate and the targets we put in place can be measured and reported. We have set a near-term target of 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by no later than 2025 and a long-term target of 90% reduction by no later than 2027.
Comments