Get To Net Zero

The goal of achieving net zero is to mitigate the impact of climate change by reducing the global temperature increase to below 2 degrees Celsius, as per the Paris Agreement.

How to get to Net Zero?

The United Nations define Net Zero as: “Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.” Net Zero also includes more than CO2 emissions, (unless specified as Net Zero Carbon). Net Zero refers to the whole amount of greenhouse gas emissions, not just CO2. These gas emissions include methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases and more. CO2 makes up around 75% of emissions followed by methane at around 15%. At COP21, many governments made the commitment to become Net Zero by 2050.

What are the Three Scopes of Emissions?

When a company analyses the emissions that make up its footprint, there are three scopes of emissions to consider.

These three scopes are defined by the most widely used international accounting tool, the Green House Gas Protocol.

Scope 1

Covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.

Scope 2

Covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company.

Scope 3

Includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.

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