The year 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record. That’s not just unprecedented, it’s downright scary. It’s like the universe is giving us a sneak peek into what life could look like should the global temperature increase by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. To stop that, the world must go net zero by 2050. So you know, there’s no pressure or anything. 

‍

And guess what? A lot of the responsibility falls squarely on businesses (all shapes and sizes). For instance, 80% of carbon emissions are linked to just 57 companies in the oil, gas, and cement sectors. Of course, those industries are major polluters. However, other industries also have a part to play. 

‍

So, how do you get to that holy grail of net zero carbon emissions? First, you need to figure out your actual carbon footprint (it’s probably bigger than you think). Then, calculate how long it’ll take to balance the emissions you put out with those you remove from the environment. 

‍

It might sound a lot, but the important thing is just to start. 

‍

You might not hit net zero by 2025, but taking baby steps now means you’re heading in the right direction. Let’s talk about five smart strategies to kickstart and supercharge your journey to net zero in 2025. 

‍

The state of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2025

2025 will be a pivotal year for net zero. It marks a decade since the drafting of the Paris Agreement, which was adopted in December 2015 at COP21 in France, and the pressure is on. 

‍

Even if many net zero goals are still years away, this decade is make-or-break. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global emissions must have peaked before 2025 to be on track for the 2050 goals. No biggie, right? 

‍

For context, global GHG emissions have been on a steady rise for the last decade (with a drop in 2020 due to the pandemic). From 2025, they must begin a trajectory downward if the global net zero goal is to be achieved by 2050. 

Strategies to adopt in 2025 to reach your net zero goal

If your organisation is serious about getting to net zero, these strategies will get you moving: 

‍

1. Optimise for energy efficiency

For many businesses, the most easily controllable emissions are those related to energy use. Whether you’re generating your own energy (Scope 1 emissions) or buying it (Scope 2 emissions), optimising your consumption can work wonders. 

‍

The primary way to go net zero should be to reduce your emissions, and that’s exactly what energy efficiency helps achieve. Here’s how to up your energy efficiency game:

• Reduce electric lighting needs by using natural light
• Adopting remote or hybrid working models
• Install smart, energy-efficient fixtures and appliances
• Decrease/increase insulation to take advantage of ambient temperatures

‍

Energy efficiency is like the starter pack for your net zero journey. Pro tip: Accurate carbon accounting and energy data are key to making this work. 

‍

2. Shift to renewable energy

Ready to ditch energy-related emissions entirely? Time to embrace renewable energy like your business depends on it (spoiler: it does). Invest in infrastructure to produce energy for your premises using natural resources like wind or sunlight. Alternatively, you can buy electricity from providers that exclusively generate power from renewable sources. That’s a surefire way to get your business closer to net zero status. 

‍

Can’t go all in on renewables? Consider investing in renewable energy certificates (RECs). RECs, when properly verified and certified, may help offset Scope 2 emissions from purchased energy. Heads up though, RECs are controversial and have been linked with greenwashing. Plus, research shows that they don’t make the perceived impact and aren’t instrumental for net zero goals in the long run. 

‍

3. Move to a certified green building

Here’s a plot twist: You don’t need to own the building you operate in to cut emissions. If you’re leasing, consider relocating to a certified green building. 

Buildings with certifications such as DGNB and LEED meet international sustainability standards. Their operational performance is optimised to control and reduce emissions. Whether it’s your offices, data centre, or warehouse, moving part or all of your operations to a certified green building can help dramatically reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions. And you don’t even have to make significant investments, other than, of course, the moving costs. 

‍

4. Engage stakeholders, all of them

Targeting direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) is one thing. But let’s talk about Scope 3 emissions – your value chain. These emissions are often the main obstacle to achieving net zero emissions.  

‍

To target indirect emissions and bring them in line with your other net zero goals, you'd have to actively engage stakeholders, primarily business partners, suppliers, employees, and customers. Really rally the troops.

‍

Once you’ve conducted a detailed carbon audit of your organisation, you’ll better understand how much of your emissions come from third parties (for most businesses, that’s well above 70%). You can target that by bringing the different stakeholders into the conversation. 

‍

What would that look like? Here are some ideas:

• Push suppliers to report and reduce their emissions (ideally giving them deadlines to achieve those goals)
• Work with suppliers that commit to reduce emissions and follow sustainable practices
• Raise awareness among employees about climate-conscious practices (for example, taking the bus or train instead of driving)
• Encourage customers to use products sustainably and ensure recycling/safe disposal where applicable

‍

5. Opt for high-quality, vetted, and verifiable offsets (with caution)

Carbon offsets are like the cherry on top, not the whole dessert. They should be your last resort after exhausting other reduction strategies. 

‍

But let’s not sugarcoat it: Carbon offsets have been misused and contributed to greenwashing, and the impact isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. If you have to go this route, ensure your offsets are legitimate. So, verify the offset numbers, vet the companies behind such projects, and ensure the offsets are justified. 

‍

The good news is that an EU certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products was just approved (in November). Although it’s voluntary, this will be directly applicable to EU member states by the end of this year. It should facilitate and encourage high-quality carbon removal and soil emission reduction activities in the EU, as a complement to sustained emission reductions.

Is net zero achievable by 2025?

Short answer: Globally, no. Locally, maybe. 

Businesses individually may be able to go net zero, depending on when they started their decarbonisation efforts and where they stand. Many companies around the world have net zero targets earlier than the Paris Agreement target of 2050. Some plan to achieve the green milestone as early as 2030. So, 2025 is still quite early for big companies to go net zero. 

‍

A 2025 net zero goal may be plausible for small businesses with relatively simpler supply chains. However, to completely decarbonise, many strong efforts will be needed. 

‍

Reduce emissions or carbon offsets: What can get us there faster?

In theory, buying carbon offsets can help you go net zero pretty quickly. But is that the scientifically sound way? That’s an easy no. Most climate organisations that provide frameworks for carbon accounting and target setting emphasise the importance of decarbonisation via emissions reduction. 

‍

Reducing your carbon footprint should be your main strategy to become net zero. Only a small amount of remaining emissions that can’t practically be eliminated may be offset with credits or projects. 

‍

Decarbonisation through emissions reduction is slow, but it’s the most impactful. It can have long-term positive consequences. Besides, offsets are mostly problematic and don’t provide a solid solution. 

‍

If you want to go net zero by 2050, concentrate your efforts on reducing your carbon footprint using the strategies above. Offsets should only account for emissions that are impossible to eliminate. Slow and steady wins the race, folks. 

‍

How can comundo help?

Your net zero journey begins with accurate carbon accounting, which also includes energy data, and comundo’s got your back. Its intuitive and integrated solution offers businesses the automation they need to collect reliable, accurate data on their energy consumption. 

‍

It brings all the numbers in one place with a clean dashboard so businesses can understand their utility consumption. Based on that data, you can take actionable steps to cut emissions and save money while you’re at it. 

‍

Although 2025 may be far from the global 2050 goal, it will make all the difference. Decarbonisation efforts today will enable the achievement of the net zero milestone in 2050. Early efforts matter, so let’s get started!

‍