Pathways to Net Zero  

In 2019 the UK Government committed to reducing UK net greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050 from a baseline of 1990 emissions levels – known as net zero – with UK organisations being encouraged to play their part in achieving net zero. Organisations committing to net zero will not only be helping reduce greenhouse emissions and the impacts of climate change but also be able to reduce their running cost, be more competitive and attract new customers, develop a more sustainable supply chain, and qualify for tax benefits.

Organisations will follow different pathways to net zero but which ever is to be followed it is important that it is integrated into the wider development strategy with the support of top management. Net zero objectives and action plans should be supported with greenhouse gas data collection, monitoring and reporting that meets recognised standards and methodologies, for example the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and Net Zero Standard.

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Net Zero Standard

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) launched the internationally recognised Net Zero Standard in 2021 which provides a pathway to achieve net zero with the setting of near and longer term emissions targets. The standard requires a balancing of outputs of carbon emissions and their removal from the atmosphere, for example through planting forests, expansion of peat bogs or carbon capture and storage.

A significant requirement of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is the requirement for organisations to reduce emissions by 90-95% by 2050 with the remaining 5-10% removed by implementing carbon offsetting projects.

The Green Business Centre can help organisations develop your organisations decarbonisation pathway to net zero which ever methodology or standard is chosen.