What does Net Zero mean?
For nations:
A national Net Zero target requires deep reductions in emissions, with any remaining sources being removed from the atmosphere with greenhouse gas removals.
Country-level emissions accounting across the world is conducted on a territorial basis, with each country only counting emissions that directly arise from activity within their geographical boundary. This prevents double counting of emissions and also more closely links to levers available at the country level to reduce emissions. The UK, for example, has set a Net Zero target for 2050, that relates to its territorial (or production) emissions.
For cities and regions:
There isn’t a globally recognised definition of a Net Zero city or region. We use the following working definition of a Net Zero city:
‘A Net Zero city or region will set and pursue an ambitious 1.5°C-aligned science-based target for all emissions sources covered within the BASIC+ reporting level of the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC). Any remaining hard-to-decarbonise emissions can be compensated with certified greenhouse gas removal (GGR).’
The BASIC+ level of the GPC includes all Scope 1 and 2 emissions, plus selected Scope 3 emissions, specifically exported waste, T&D and transportation.
We believe it is reasonable for the ‘Other Scope 3 sources’ (such as GHG emissions embodied in investments, water, food and construction materials) to be excluded from the definition of a Net Zero city. However, we believe a net zero city should pursue all possible efforts to influence and reduce the remaining Scope 3 emissions not captured within the BASIC+ framework.
For corporates:
Since we proposed adefinition of Net Zero in our Insightpublished in 2019, theScience Based Targets initiative (SBTi)hasdefined Net Zero targetsfor corporates as follows:
的达成状态伴随矩阵的零排放ies implies two conditions:
- To achieve a scale of value-chain emission reductions consistent with the depth of abatement achieved in pathways that limit warming to 1.5°C with no or limited overshoot and;
- To neutralise the impact of any source of residual emissions that remains unfeasible to be eliminated by permanently removing an equivalent amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide.’
The SBTi is also consulting ondraft criteriafor assessing corporate Net Zero targets and is planning to publish the final criteria, with associated guidance, ahead of COP26 in November 2021.
Why Net Zero matters
The widespread global adoption of Net Zero targets is an important lever for driving ambitious climate action. Deep cuts to emissions in line with a 1.5°C pathway and the permanent removal of any remaining greenhouse gases will be needed in order to achieve these targets – both of which are critical to addressing climate change.
It will undoubtedly require innovation and we are working with a wide range of organisations on projects that are likely to play a significant role in helping achieve Net Zero ambitions, such as the Flexibility in Great Britain project.
We are working with corporates, institutions and governments around the world to help set rigorous Net Zero targets and support their delivery.
How we can help
For public bodies:
We have developed a framework for the development of Net Zero Climate Strategies and Action Plans with public bodies.
We’ve applied this approach to support the development of more than 30 Net Zero Climate Strategies and Action Plans with local authorities and the wider public sector across the UK and internationally. This includes plans that address Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions both at the organisational level, and extending to the wider geographic area /jurisdiction of the local authority.
Some examples of cities and regions that we’ve worked with, or are currently working with include, the City of London, North Tyneside, Leeds City Region, Sheffield City Region, Cardiff Capital Region and Peterborough.
For corporates:
We can help you set your organisational Net Zero targets and work with you on establishing a route map to achieving them. We can do this in a number of ways, including:
The Route to Net Zero Standard
The Carbon Trust’s Route to Net Zero Standard helps organisations measure and manage their emissions, inform carbon reduction strategies, and align targets for the future – all with tailored advice from our trusted experts.
Footprint measurement and analysis
Net Zero encompasses the entire value chain of an organisation, which means a baseline footprint must be established for both operational and value chain emissions. We are leaders in the calculation and assurance of carbon footprints and have worked with thousands of companies to measure and verify their footprints.
Setting science-based targets: science-based targets are stringent emission reduction targets that must be aligned with the aims of the Paris Agreement. Our experts will guide you through the whole process.
Climate change impact evaluation
我们可以帮助您的组织分析business-relevant climate risks and opportunities and ensure the outputs of this analysis feed into your Net Zero strategy.
Podcast: Listen toPauline Op de Beeckdiscussing Net Zero implications for the fashion sector with Innovation Forum
