Net zero
What is net zero?
Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. When an entity, such as a country, company or individual, achieves net zero emissions, it means that they are not adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than they are removing or offsetting through means like carbon capture or investing in projects that reduce emissions (Source: Net Zero Climate).
This is seen as a critical goal in combating climate change, as it aims to stabilize and eventually reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to mitigate global warming (Source: United Nations Climate Action).
Background on the term “net zero”
The term “net zero” gained prominence after the Paris Agreement in 2015, which is a global accord that required countries, businesses and global organizations to make pledges to achieve net-zero emissions by specific target years. The concept of net zero continues to grow in significance as concerns about climate change intensify (Source: United Nations Climate Change).
What is a net zero home or building?
A net zero building produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. These homes or buildings are designed with energy efficiency as their primary focus, incorporating features such as high-efficiency insulation, lighting and appliances, and advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver). They may also use renewable energy sources like solar panels and geothermal options.
Why is achieving net zero important?
Achieving net zero is integral to global efforts to mitigate climate change and limit the rise in global temperatures. It represents a critical step toward building a sustainable future and has become a central theme in the discourse on climate action, reflecting countries’ and businesses’ long-term commitments to reducing emissions and actively offsetting greenhouse gases (Source: United Nations Climate Action).
When is the U.S. aiming to achieve net zero?
The U.S. has set a goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. This target was announced by President Joe Biden as part of his administration's efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable and clean energy economy. Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 will require significant changes across various sectors of the economy, including energy, transportation, industry, agriculture and buildings (Source: The White House, The Long-Term Strategy of the United States: Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050).
How CLEAResult helps organizations achieve net zero:
Our consultants utilize their expertise in Energy Efficiency, Energy Transition and Energy Sustainability Services to enable clients to reach their sustainability goals. We’ve developed a comprehensive software suite of energy efficiency solutions designed to help organizations navigate the challenges of climate change and meet new energy goals. For example, our CLEAResult ATLAS™ Carbon simplifies the processes of calculating and tracking carbon emissions, both key components in achieving net zero.