Net zero means achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere. When the amount of CO₂ added equals the amount taken away, the net emissions are zero.
Net zero is the most ambitious climate target a company or country can set. Unlike simple carbon offsetting, net zero requires deep emissions reductions — typically 90% or more — before any offsetting can be claimed.
The concept emerged from climate science showing that to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the world must reach net zero CO₂ emissions by approximately 2050. This means all sectors — energy, transport, industry, agriculture — must transform.
Calculate your complete carbon footprint including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
Cut emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and process changes
Invest in carbon removal for residual emissions (max 10% of baseline)
Transparently disclose progress against your net zero target
195 countries agree to limit warming to 1.5°C, requiring net zero by mid-century
Major companies begin setting science-based net zero targets
First framework defining corporate net zero with credible criteria
Most companies must halve emissions by 2030 to stay on 1.5°C path
Global target for achieving net zero emissions
Net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and those removed from it. When emissions produced equal emissions removed, the net result is zero - hence 'net zero'.
Carbon neutral typically means offsetting emissions through carbon credits without necessarily reducing them. Net zero requires actual emissions reductions (usually 90%+) with only residual emissions offset through permanent carbon removal.
The Paris Agreement aims for global net zero by 2050 to limit warming to 1.5°C. Many companies have set targets for 2030-2050, with SBTi requiring at least 90% emissions reduction before using offsets.
Achieving net zero involves: 1) Measuring all emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3), 2) Reducing emissions through efficiency and clean energy, 3) Eliminating emissions where possible, 4) Removing remaining emissions through carbon removal technologies or nature-based solutions.