Net zero is the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as close to zero as possible and permanently removing any remaining emissions from the atmosphere.
Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions across a company's operations and value chain as far as possible, and balancing any residual emissions with an equal amount of permanent carbon removal. Credible net zero targets put deep emission cuts first, typically 90% or more, and use removals only for what cannot be eliminated.
The terms are often confused. Carbon neutral claims can be achieved largely by buying carbon offsets without deep reductions. Net zero, as defined by frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative, requires near-term and long-term reduction targets across Scopes 1, 2 and 3.
A manufacturing group set a target to reach net zero by 2050 with a 2030 interim target to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42%. Its plan included electrifying forklifts, switching to renewable electricity and replacing gas-fired heat with heat pumps, with each change reviewed through management of change for new safety hazards.
Not under leading standards. Offsets can support climate action, but they do not replace the required emission reductions.
Residual emissions are those that remain after all feasible reductions, which must be neutralized with permanent carbon removals.
They can. Battery storage, hydrogen, electrification and new equipment bring new hazards that should be assessed before introduction.
Part of SafetyIQ's EHS glossary: plain-English definitions of workplace health and safety terms.
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