What does net zero carbon mean?

To achieve net zero carbon, three important measures must be taken: reduce carbon emissions, remove carbon dioxide from the environment and offset any leftover emissions.

1. The first phase is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the environment by lessening the use of fossil fuels, boosting energy utilisation and embracing renewable energy sources. This can be done through a combination of individual acts that help reduce carbon footprint like taking public transportation, walking, or cycling instead of driving, and collective actions like government laws that promote renewable energy and limit carbon emissions from industrial activity.
   
   
2. The second phase is to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using a technological solution such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This entails trapping carbon dioxide from industrial operations and storing it underground, where it cannot contribute to global warming. Other techniques of carbon extraction include reforestation, in which trees collect carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via photosynthesis, and soil carbon sequestration, in which carbon is stored in the soil using organic farming methods.
   
   
3. The third and final stage toward net zero carbon is to offset any residual emissions by investing in projects that mitigate or eliminate carbon from the atmosphere. Some examples of this include investing in renewable energy projects, supporting forestry initiatives, or sponsoring research into novel innovations that can help reduce carbon emissions. 

Climate change mitigation

The most important benefit of net zero carbon emission is its critical role in curbing the devastating impacts of climate change. By striving to balance carbon emissions, we can significantly reduce the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This will help mitigate global warming and minimise climate risks such as extreme weather events and biodiversity loss.

Cleaner energy systems

Turning to net zero carbon necessitates a change in basic assumptions in our energy systems. The shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power, unlocks a host of benefits. Clean energy systems not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance energy security, reduce air pollution and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.

Health and well-being

Another key benefit of net zero carbon emission is improved health. By reducing fossil fuel consumption, air pollution will also be reduced, and the quality of the environment will significantly improve. In addition, we can enhance public health outcomes. Cleaner air leads to a decrease in respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases and other pollution-related health issues.

GHD has committed to setting a net-zero greenhouse gas emission through the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). We will work with SBTi to set a net-zero-based target, as well as a near-term science-based target, to help reduce value chain emissions in alignment with 1.5°C pathways. SBTi is the leading worldwide standard for establishing ambitious corporate emissions reduction targets based on the most recent climate research. It is a collaboration between the United Nations Worldwide Compact, CDP, the World Resources Institute and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

"GHD's commitment to sustainability is fundamentally aligned with our company's purpose: that together with our clients, we create lasting community benefit," says Ashley Wright, CEO of GHD. Two years ago, GHD officially set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. Read about this initiative here: GHD commits to set net-zero targets.

Moreover, GHD continues to dive into innovative ideas, concepts and technologies that underpin future energy systems. Learn more about GHD and Future Energy at Future Energy Insights, and know our services that can help create a greener future at Energy and Resources - GHD.

Articles referenced

^{GHD 2023, ‘GHD commits to set net-zero targets’, retrieved May 11, 2023, from GHD commits to set net-zero targets}

^{National Grid 2023, ‘What is net zero?’, retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-net-zero}

^{Oxford Net Zero n.d., ‘What is Net Zero?’, retrieved May 11, 2023, from https://netzeroclimate.org/what-is-net-zero/}