To achieve achieve the Net Zero objective, more entities will need to set carbon-neutral goals and develop pathways toward implementation: 7 Strategies

To achieve achieve the Net Zero objective, more entities will need to set carbon-neutral goals and develop pathways toward implementation. And, due to the extended period of time that emitted GHGs remain in the atmosphere, actions taken earlier will have a higher return on investment.

7 Strategies for Becoming Carbon Neutral

If your organization is considering establishing a carbon-neutral goal and developing an associated implementation plan, the following strategies can help you get there:

  1. Define a goal boundary as broadly as possible, but don’t let perfection get in the way of progress (e.g. include operational emissions only or if possible, expand to include supply chain or purchased energy).
  2. Consider the activities your organization may be able to take to reduce emissions within and outside of that boundary before finalizing your goal—you may find you can achieve more than you would have thought, especially if you develop a long-term implementation plan consistent with the timeframe associated with the Paris Agreement.
  3. Don’t forget to consider other criteria important to your organization, such as job creation, financing, or local impacts.
  4. Set interim targets and engage in other relevant initiatives, such as RE100, SBTi, or the Renewable Thermal Collaborative.
  5. Be transparent about what you are committing to and how you will get there.
  6. Track your progress publicly and consider third-party verification or certification. Be honest about what is working and what might not be.
  7. Tell your story. To lead, you must inspire and encourage others to join you.

“Meeting the Paris Goal: Strategies for Carbon Neutrality” will highlight how companies, states, cities and universities are undertaking and tracking commitments towards carbon neutrality. During the event, speakers will discuss the impact of their carbon neutral strategies while driving resilient growth.  Organizations doing their part to meet the net-zero goal of the Paris Agreement are sending an important signal to their peers, national and sub-national actors, and the global economy. They are demonstrating that mitigating climate change globally is achievable, and that it is in the best interest of companies, universities, local governments and others.