University of Siena (UNISI)
What does it mean to be “carbon neutral”?
A product, a process, a territory, are carbon neutral when they are in a condition of net greenhouse gas emissions equal to zero: the overall emissions are balanced by the removal of CO2 by the green areas within the system under consideration. In most cases it is the outcome of a process that involves the quantification, reduction, and compensation of greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities carried out in a production system or territory.
How to become carbon neutral?
To become carbon neutral, it is necessary to have reliable greenhouse gas inventories, as they are a tool able to show the climate-altering emissions and removals of the analysed system. After a careful analysis of the inventories, the sectors, and human activities with the greatest impact on climate should be identified, in order to categorize the critical aspects on which to focus when implementing environmental policies and mitigation plans aimed at reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
The emissions reduction is possible thanks to the decrease of fossil fuel consumption, the implementation of integrated waste management systems and the development of low-intensity agricultural/livestock practices. An important element in this virtuous process is the preservation of the forest heritage, which allows the direct removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and its accumulation in plant biomass.
The challenge of carbon neutrality for companies
The measures implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the company level are based on a three-pronged strategy: reduce, convert, and offset. First, the most effective ways are taken to avoid or reduce the emissions generated during production phases. Then move to an energy supply that is based on the use of renewable sources. Finally, unavoidable CO2 emissions should be offset by adhering to environmental protection programs, certified according to strict international standards.
Companies that choose to follow a type of management that focuses on environmental sustainability and try to include it in their management model will achieve an increase in production efficiency, a reduction in costs, and an advantage from the point of view of green marketing.
The 2030 Agenda and carbon neutrality
The specific objective among the 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda that can relate to carbon neutrality is Goal 13 “climate action” closely related to Goal 7 “Affordable and clean energy”. The climate challenges and the transition to renewable energies have as a common objective the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions until neutrality is achieved and therefore a net balance between emissions and removals; even better if this balance is in favour of removals.
Other partially connected SDGs which can influence each other in favor of carbon neutrality are Goal 11 “sustainable cities and communities”, Goal 12 “Responsible consumption and production”.
In the end, Goal 14 “life below water” and Goal 15 “life on land” which ecosystems together constitute the lungs of the planet (oceans and forests), capable of storing CO2 in the mass of vegetation, sea waters and lands.
