La Carbon Neutrality It is one of the most relevant and debated issues when it comes to sustainability. However, it is also a topic that often generates confusion, between unclear definitions and different approaches. Precisely for this reason, clarifying and deepening the current situation is more important than ever.
Let's start at the beginning!
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What does carbon neutrality mean?
According to theIPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), an international body established by the United Nations to study climate change, it can be seen that:
“Carbon neutrality is achieved when there is a balance between CO2 emitted into the atmosphere and the CO2 reduced or captured by the atmosphere over a specified period of time.”
More simply, we can say that achieving carbon neutrality means have a neutral impact on global warming.
For several years now, this concept has entered the international debate, causing various institutions to set themselves the goal of achieving this goal.
An example is that of Copenhagen which, through its CPH Climate Plan, intends to become the first carbon neutral capital in the world implementing a series of actions for infrastructure and social development that mitigate the effects on the environment.
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Why is it important to compensate for carbon dioxide (CO2) and all types of greenhouse gases?
Following the change in weather conditions, with theParis Agreement It has been expected to reach zero net emissions For 2050 And the Containment of global warming within the safety threshold of 1.5°C.
With such an ambitious intent, the need arose on the part of institutions and companies to start a path towards carbon neutrality, focusing attention on what is the crucial variable for the conservation of the ecosystem: anthropogenic greenhouse gases.
In the analysis of emissions, all greenhouse gases are converted into CO₂ equivalent, to simplify complex calculations and because carbon dioxide is actually the predominant type of gas.
Carbon dioxide itself plays a key role in the atmosphere, regulating temperature and allowing life to flourish on Earth. However, the excessive accumulation of CO2 caused by human action has contributed to a Increase in the average global temperature which has led to the consequences that we unfortunately see, including drought, floods and loss of biodiversity.
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What does it mean to become carbon neutral?
To be acarbon neutral company Does it mean to have a neutral impact on the planet producing zero net CO2 emissions2, but the path to decarbonization is not easy.
It must be said, however, that many of the world's largest companies have already started implementing climate strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and that of the entire Supply-chain.
Important economic groups such as Apple, Gucci, Netflix, Nestlé and Microsoft, to name a few, in addition to having equipped themselves with plans for Corporate Social Responsibility they have set carbon neutrality objectives. These objectives have progressively affected the entire supply chain of companies smaller ones connected to them, triggering a virtuous circle with a positive balance for the environment.
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How to become carbon neutral
Considering that there is no activity in the world that does not generate CO₂ emissions and that the business areas affected by the issue of carbon neutrality are practically infinite, the climate journey of a single company, although complex, can count on a path governed by international standards.
This route includes 4 fundamental actions:
1. Calculation of emissions
The first step towards carbon neutrality consists in Calculation of the carbon footprint produced by work activities.
It is necessary to identify between direct emissions that derive from owned or controlled sources and indirect emissions that derive from energy consumption inside or outside the company, such as the electricity purchased, heating, cooling and steam consumed by an organization.
2. Reduction
After estimating its carbon footprint, the company is called upon to set up a Strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Energy efficiency practices and initiatives are therefore adopted aimed at Involve staff. The goal is to encourage more conscious daily behaviors, such as reducing energy consumption or choosing forms of sustainable and shared mobility.
3. Compensation
As we have seen, any activity carried out by man produces CO2 emissions2 eq, which cannot always be reduced to 100%.
Non-reducible emissions, however, can be Compensated Going to finance certified projects that balance the environmental impact, such as large scale reforestation, the preservation of ecosystems capable of absorbing CO2, technological solutions for capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and other solutions that all aim at absorbing carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, the reduction activity alone requires times that we can no longer afford to wait, while combining a compensatory activity in synergy is the most timely strategy for limit the effects of climate change.
4. Communication
Committing to a path towards carbon neutrality allows you to benefit from multiple advantages in terms of economic and brand reputation.
Communicating the adoption of a climate strategy and the achievement of the related objectives represents a key element in increasing the competitive advantage on the market. Today, in fact, companies that demonstrate sensitivity to sustainability are more valued, attracting new talent and consolidating their position compared to competitors.
Last but not least, anticipating change becomes decisive to capture the attention of potential investors ready to support all those companies that, thanks to the transition to decarbonization, inspire trust and prove to be solid in the eyes of stakeholders.
