Net zero and carbon neutral certification
What do ‘net zero’ and ‘carbon neutral’ mean?
“Net zero” is a state where there are no net greenhouse emissions going into the atmosphere. It involves measuring Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, decarbonising as far as possible and purchasing carbon offsets for the remainder (no more than 10%), at the net zero date. These offsets must be from projects that reduce carbon emissions that are already in the atmosphere, e.g., sequestration from the planting of vegetation.
Net zero targets and action plans can be verified through the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This verification body for corporate entities, requires at least 90% of emissions to be cut before purchasing carbon offsets.
“Carbon neutral” can be achieved by measuring carbon emissions, setting a target and initiatives to reduce them and offsetting the rest – annually. See below on how to become certified carbon neutral.
Which is best?
The most suitable course of action and ultimate goal will depend on the size of the company, the industry it is in, what others in that industry are doing and what your stakeholders consider to be important. We can help you decide which option is best for your company, recommend the optimal pathway to achieving your aims and advice on how to communicate goals and plans. Whichever option is chosen, care must be taken to avoid greenwashing. Say what you are doing and do what you say!
How to become carbon neutral
To be carbon neutral you must measure your carbon emissions, create an action plan, set a reduction target and offset your carbon emissions. Usually this is done annually and can be an interim goal on the way to becoming net zero.
You can attain recognition for becoming carbon neutral – either informally or by achieving certification through the Australian Government’s Climate Active Network or through other global accreditations such as PAS 2060. It’s the best way to demonstrate the integrity of your carbon neutral claim.
SBC has Climate Active Registered Consultants for Organisations, Events, Products, Services and Precincts certification. We also have experience with carbon neutral building certification via the Green Building Council of Australia.
Why choose SBC to help you become certified carbon neutral?
We have many years of experience in the process of achieving carbon neutrality through Climate Active. We are also a carbon neutral organisation ourselves. We can help set your boundary and scope, create your carbon inventory, help develop your emissions reduction strategy, assist in sourcing carbon offsets and undertake technical assessments. Measure, reduce, verify data, offset, submit. Sounds easy but if you’d like help contact us. Read our one-page summary on Climate Active.
Meet some of our certified Carbon Neutral clients
Uniting Communities was the first charity in Australia and the first organisation in SA to become certified carbon neutral and its “U City” building was the first certified whole building in SA. Driven by a moral desire to act on climate change, this large organisation with nearly 100 community services and more than 800 employees, has attained many benefits from their Climate Active certification including financial savings, enhanced reputation and employee attraction and satisfaction. As well as maintaining its certification annually, Uniting Communities has set a target to become Net Zero by 2035.
Read their Climate Active Public Disclosure Statements.
Vulcan Energy is aiming to decarbonise the transition to electric mobility, through its world-first Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project for electric vehicle batteries, and its renewable energy business. Vulcan’s raison d’être is to be a leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ensuring sustainability goals are not merely aspirations but govern the way Vulcan operates in practice. Becoming a carbon neutral organisation for its Australian operations in 2020 was a natural step for the company to take and, with the help of SBC, this is renewed annually. The company is also carbon neutral for its international operations.
Fuller Brand Communication is a leading independent brand communication agency based in Adelaide, providing a mix of strategy, branding, creative design, communications, public relations, web development, digital marketing, advertising and video/photographic content creation. Fuller is family owned and managed and an employer of more than 20 families. Fuller aims to make a measurable difference to the environment, contribute to a society they can be proud to hand down to their children and grandchildren; and to further build their team culture. Read more about Fuller’s reasons for becoming Certified Carbon Neutral here.
“Being certified carbon neutral with Climate Active shows Government recognition for your responsible carbon action.”.
Source Climate Active.