Net zero is our strongest tool yet against the climate crisis. The transition to net-zero emissions presents a compelling solution that offers not only environmental benefits but also economic, social, and health advantages. Failing to act swiftly and decisively risks catastrophic climate change, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to food and water supplies.

Let’s delve into the key reasons why embracing net zero is vital for our collective wellbeing:

• Tackling the climate crisis
• Protecting human health
• Driving innovation and economic growth
• Enhancing energy security
• Preserving ecosystems and biodiversity

What is net zero?

While there may be variations in definitions of net zero, the globally agreed net-zero definition is contained in the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42:2022). It defines net zero as “a condition in which human-caused residual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are balanced by human-led removals over a specified period and within specified boundaries”. Achieving this balance is a complex process involving emission reductions, offsets, and innovative technologies.

The shift to a net-zero emissions world can be achieved by reducing emissions at their source and cancelling out residual emissions through carbon offsets. Carbon reduction is the process of directly cutting emissions through efficiencies while carbon offset involves investing in “carbon sinks” – i.e. the forest and our oceans – that absorb CO2 to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.

Carbon neutral vs net zero: what’s in it for business?

Is net zero the same as carbon neutral? Businesses often speak about becoming “carbon neutral”. It means they’re taking steps to remove the equivalent amount of CO2 to what is emitted through activities across their supply chains. This operation is called offsetting and allows organizations to continue doing business with a good conscience.

Net zero goes beyond carbon neutrality, encompassing all GHGs, including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and other hydrofluorocarbons, which tend to trap more heat than carbon dioxide. It consists of ambitious emission reductions, systemic changes across sectors, and active removal of emissions. By adopting a net-zero mindset, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable future, ensure climate resilience, and create opportunities for innovation, green jobs, and economic prosperity.

Why do we need net zero?

The emissions released by human action are taking their toll on our planet and propelling us further towards an irreversible climate crisis. Transformative net-zero goals, especially when led by governments worldwide, can help limit temperature rise to 1.5 °C by 2050.

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions is not just an environmental imperative; it also presents significant opportunities for organizations of all sizes. These include cost savings from energy efficiency, improved brand reputation, and alignment with increasing consumer and investor demand for sustainable practices.

How businesses benefit from net zero

Many businesses today are embracing net-zero goals, striving for net-zero carbon emissions in their operations. This involves a combination of direct emission reductions through energy efficiency and renewable energy use, and indirect reductions through carbon offset projects. By gaining a full understanding of the net-zero meaning and applying it to their operations, businesses can play a crucial role in combatting climate change – and it’s also good for their bottom line.

Net-zero buildings are one example of how businesses can move towards these goals. Leading enterprises are cutting emissions throughout the life cycle of the buildings they own and operate. This can be done in two ways: by retrofitting existing structures and ensuring new structures generate low emissions. These buildings are designed to generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year, thus achieving net-zero energy consumption and, in many cases, net-zero carbon emissions.

In the digital realm, the concept of net-zero Internet is also emerging. This refers to the concept of achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions in the operation and use of the Internet and digital technologies. It aims to mitigate the environmental impact associated with the rapidly growing digital infrastructure, data centres, telecommunications networks, and the overall energy consumption of the Internet.

ISO Net Zero Guidelines

ISO launched guiding principles for achieving net zero at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022. These principles provide a roadmap for organizations, including businesses, on their journey towards net-zero carbon emissions. The Net Zero Guidelines provide common definitions, high-level principles, and actionable guidance towards achieving net zero by 2050. They also help entities make credible claims and develop consistent reports on emissions, reductions and removals.

Key elements include:

1. Emission reductions: Reducing emissions at the source is the most effective way to achieve net zero. This can be done by improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources and innovating processes to reduce waste.
2. Carbon offsets: For emissions that cannot be eliminated, carbon offsets are a viable solution. These involve investing in projects that remove or reduce GHGs in the atmosphere.
3. Transparency and accountability: Regular monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions is crucial for transparency and accountability. This also helps businesses identify areas for improvement and track progress towards their net-zero goals.
4. Stakeholder engagement: Engaging stakeholders – employees, customers, investors and the wider community – is key to successful implementation of net-zero strategies. This fosters a culture of sustainability and drives collective action towards emission reductions.
5. Equity and justice: The Net Zero Guidelines align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Climate action takes into account the burdens and benefits of climate change and ensures that responses, including responsibility for costs, are equitably shared, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable.

Why ISO standards for climate change?

The Net Zero Guidelines help bring clarity but also point to other good standards out there. As an example, the Guidelines usefully complement the ISO 14000 suite of environmental standards. Moreover, it serves as a reference for organizations to set net-zero goals by helping to align all the array of different efforts that are out there. The Net Zero Guidelines also enable a more consistent approach for the development of future initiatives and deliverables, including standards.

For the climate cause

The case for moving to net zero is undeniable. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to safeguard our planet, protect human health, drive economic prosperity, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. We must collectively commit to this imperative, taking bold and decisive action to transition to a net-zero economy.

By embracing ISO’s Net Zero Guidelines, we not only fulfill our moral obligation but also set the stage for a world that is cleaner, healthier and more resilient. Let us seize this moment and unite in building a sustainable future for all.