We will assist your company in identifying the appropriate net zero approach that is compatible with your wider sustainability goals.
Companies are faced with a plethora of approaches to achieving net zero emissions, each with
differing short and long term consequences to their operations and the environment. We offer
guidance and expertise evaluating the different net zero strategies and how they relate to your
overall sustainability goals.
Strategy selection requires a broad understanding of the nature of the polluting activities
conducted by your business. A strategy can combine elements of emissions reduction, compensation,
and neutralisation. Compatibility is key: your net zero strategy should fit seamlessly within your
overall ESG strategy while also supporting the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as well as the
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Broadly, the five possible net zero strategies that your company could adopt are:
01
Replacing emissions reduction with carbon credits representing emission reductions
02
Replacing emissions reduction with avoided emissions
03
Replacing emissions reduction with negative emissions (e.g. sequestration)
04
Emissions reduction in line with science-based targets
05
Climate positive approach (i.e. a combination of #3 and #4)
For example, strategy #3 alone is generally not compatible with the Paris Agreement, due to an inability to globally scale sequestration. In addition, this strategy may be prohibitively expensive for large emitters of carbon dioxide (e.g. manufacturing). However, combining sequestration and emissions reduction produces a more affordable and scalable carbon reduction strategy.