What is net zero?

The goal of net zero is to achieve a balance between the amount of carbon emitted and the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere so that the entity has a net zero impact on the environment.

In order to become a net zero establishment, companies must significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and compensate for any remaining impact on the environment.

Efforts should focus on the following:

1. Reducing all types of emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) to zero or to a residual level that is consistent with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions at the global or sector level on pathways aligned with a 1.5°C temperature increase.
   
2. Neutralizing any remaining emissions and any greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

The elements that make up a corporate net zero target should include near-term and long-term science-based targets, mitigation beyond the value chain and finally, neutralization of any residual emissions. (1)

Therefore, to achieve net-zero status, first emissions in all three scopes (1, 2, and 3) must be measured. Then, science-based targets must be set, and pathways for decarbonization must be created until 2030. Finally, for any remaining emissions that cannot be reduced, techniques such as carbon capture, storage, and sequestration must be used to remove them from the atmosphere.