carbon neutrality, zero carbon footprint, net zero[1] or climate neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere, or fixed by plants, or by purchasing sufficient carbon credits. The term "carbon neutrality", or carbon neutral, is used in the context of processes associated with the emission of carbon dioxide, such as transportation or energy production using fossil fuels (coal, oil or natural gas).[2].
It should be clarified that in the context of climate change, energy, atmosphere, etc., when we say "carbon", we are generally talking about carbon dioxide (CO), a chemical compound, gaseous at room temperature; while in other contexts (biology, organic chemistry), when one says "carbon", it refers to a chemical element, the sixth in the periodic table, with symbol C, and with properties totally different from those of CO.
The concept of carbon neutrality can be expanded to include other greenhouse gases (GHGs) measured in terms of their carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e)—the impact that a GHG has on the atmosphere expressed in the equivalent amount of CO₂. For example, methane produces a greenhouse effect 21 times greater[3] than CO. Therefore, if emissions consist of one ton of CO and one ton of methane, they will add up to 22 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
The term climate neutral reflects the inclusion of other GHGs. Although CO is the most abundant, other GHGs regulated by the Kyoto Protocol are methane (CH), nitrogen oxide (I) "Nitrogen oxide (I)") (NO), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), fluorocarbons (PFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF). The terms "carbon neutrality", "climate neutral" and "climate neutrality" will be used interchangeably in this article.
Best practice for organizations and individuals seeking to become carbon neutral involves first reducing or avoiding as many GHG emissions as possible, so that they then only need to offset unavoidable emissions.[4] Neutrality is generally achieved in two ways:
• - Using only renewable energy, which does not produce carbon dioxide (this is also called low carbon economy, decarbonized economy or post-carbon economy).
• - Carbon offsetting (carbon offsetting) by paying others to capture and store 100% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere (for example by planting trees)[5] or by financing carbon projects that should lead to preventing future emissions, or by purchasing carbon credits, which, in practice, are rights to emit GHG, and there are a limited number of them in the emissions market. If someone buys them, and does not emit those GHGs, the amount of GHG emitted will be reduced by that amount.[6] The practice of these offsets has received some criticism.[7].
Evaluation of zero carbon plans
Introduction
carbon neutrality, zero carbon footprint, net zero[1] or climate neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere, or fixed by plants, or by purchasing sufficient carbon credits. The term "carbon neutrality", or carbon neutral, is used in the context of processes associated with the emission of carbon dioxide, such as transportation or energy production using fossil fuels (coal, oil or natural gas).[2].
It should be clarified that in the context of climate change, energy, atmosphere, etc., when we say "carbon", we are generally talking about carbon dioxide (CO), a chemical compound, gaseous at room temperature; while in other contexts (biology, organic chemistry), when one says "carbon", it refers to a chemical element, the sixth in the periodic table, with symbol C, and with properties totally different from those of CO.
The concept of carbon neutrality can be expanded to include other greenhouse gases (GHGs) measured in terms of their carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e)—the impact that a GHG has on the atmosphere expressed in the equivalent amount of CO₂. For example, methane produces a greenhouse effect 21 times greater[3] than CO. Therefore, if emissions consist of one ton of CO and one ton of methane, they will add up to 22 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
The term climate neutral reflects the inclusion of other GHGs. Although CO is the most abundant, other GHGs regulated by the Kyoto Protocol are methane (CH), nitrogen oxide (I) "Nitrogen oxide (I)") (NO), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), fluorocarbons (PFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF). The terms "carbon neutrality", "climate neutral" and "climate neutrality" will be used interchangeably in this article.
Best practice for organizations and individuals seeking to become carbon neutral involves first reducing or avoiding as many GHG emissions as possible, so that they then only need to offset unavoidable emissions.[4] Neutrality is generally achieved in two ways:
• - Using only renewable energy, which does not produce carbon dioxide (this is also called low carbon economy, decarbonized economy or post-carbon economy).
The term carbon neutrality was the 2006 word of the year for the New Oxford American Dictionary.[8].
Process
Contenido
La neutralidad de carbono se consigue normalmente con los siguientes pasos (aunque pueden variar dependiendo de si los dan individuos, empresas, organizaciones, ciudades, regiones o países):.
Commitment
For individuals the decision is likely to be straightforward, but for more complex groups it typically requires political leadership at the highest level and broad popular agreement on the validity of the effort.
Computation and analysis
Quantifying and analyzing the emissions that must be eliminated, and the options for doing so, is the crucial step in the process, because it allows you to set priorities for action – from the products you buy (some have a higher carbon footprint than others) to energy production, use and transportation – and begin to measure progress. This can be achieved through a GHG inventory that answers questions such as:
• - What operations, activities, units should be included?
• - What sources should be included (see Direct and indirect emissions section)?
• - Who is responsible for what emissions?
• - What gases should be included?
For individuals, carbon calculators can simplify the task by compiling an inventory of their emissions. They typically measure electricity consumption in kWh, the amount and type of fuel used for heating and hot water, and how many kilometers the individual drives in their car, flies, and rides in other vehicles. Individuals can also set various boundaries in the system where they move, e.g. e.g. personal GHG emissions, emissions from your home, or what company you work for.
Many carbon calculators are available on the Internet, which vary significantly in their usefulness and the parameters they measure. Some only take into account cars, planes and home energy. Others also cover household waste or leisure.
In some circumstances the goal is to go beyond carbon neutrality (usually after a certain amount of time taken to achieve it) and begin to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, rather than just not increasing it. Because although some individuals, companies or countries reduce their emissions, even a lot, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to grow, and in 2017 it reached[9] 405 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the level of 400 ppm that scientists consider dangerous (because it can lead to catastrophic events).[10].
Action
To start moving towards climate neutrality, companies and local administrations can use an environmental management system (EMS) or sustainability established by the international standard ISO 14001 (developed by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO). Another EMS framework is EMAS, the European Ecological Management and Audit System, used by numerous EU companies. Many local authorities apply EMS to certain sectors of their administration, or even certify (that is, have all their operations examined by an independent auditor) with one of these standards.
Reduction
One of the strongest arguments for reducing GHG emissions is that it saves money. When energy prices engage in one of their frequent upward cycles (often driven by a rise in the price of oil), it becomes more expensive to travel, heat and light homes and workplaces, and keep a modern economy running. So it's both common sense and climate-smart to use energy as soberly as possible.
Examples of actions to reduce GHG emissions are:
• - Limit energy consumption and emissions from transportation (using bicycles, public transportation or your own feet instead of a private vehicle, avoiding flying by plane, using low-consumption vehicles), as well as from buildings, equipment, animals and processes.
• - Obtain electricity and other energy (for example, thermal, from a solar thermal installation) from a renewable energy source, either directly by the end user of the energy (such as by installing photovoltaic panels on the roof of their house), or by selecting a certified green energy supplier. Another proposed method is to use alternative low-emission fuels, such as sustainable biofuels, but they are controversial[11] because they can result in a net increase in emissions, in addition to an increase in food prices[12] and deforestation.[13].
Compensation
The use of carbon offsets aims to neutralize a certain volume of GHG emissions by financing projects – such as planting trees – that should result in a reduction in emissions elsewhere. Under the premise “first reduce what you can and then offset the rest”, compensation can be achieved by supporting a responsible carbon project, or by purchasing carbon offsets or carbon credits.
Carbon offsetting is also a tool for several local authorities around the world.[14].
In 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), following the mandate of the executive committee of the Clean Development Mechanism, launched a specific website (see below, in External links) where organizations and companies, but also individuals, can offset their carbon footprint with the aim of involving everyone in promoting sustainability.
Compensation is sometimes seen as a controversial and partial issue (whoever talks about it belongs to a certain side). For example, James Hansen describes offsetting as "modern indulgences, sold to an increasingly emissions-conscious public, to absolve their climate sins." Indulgences are a mechanism of the Catholic Church to exempt from the temporal penalties that sins entail. Its highly criticized abuse gave rise, along with other factors, to the Protestant schism.
Evaluation and repetition
This phase includes evaluating the results and compiling a list of proposed improvements, with the results documented and reported, so that the experience of what works (and what doesn't) is shared with those who can put it to good use.
Finally, with everything completed, the carbon neutrality process begins again, this time incorporating the lessons learned. Science and technology advance, regulations (for example, on emissions) become stricter and the standards demanded by the population rise. So the second cycle will go further than the first, and the process will continue, each successive phase building and improving on the previous one.
Direct and indirect emissions
To be considered carbon neutral, an organization has to reduce its carbon footprint to zero. Determining what is included in the carbon footprint depends on the organization and the standards it follows. Generally, direct emissions have to be reduced and fully offset, while indirect emissions from purchased electricity can be reduced by purchasing a portion of that electricity from a company that generates it with renewable energy. If the organization only purchases electricity generated from renewable energy, then it eliminates its indirect emissions.
Direct emissions include all those resulting from manufacturing, the organization's vehicles, reimbursed travel, livestock (for example, each cow releases between 113 and 189 liters of methane daily)[15] and any other source that is directly controlled by the organization. Indirect emissions include all those that result from the use or purchase of a product. For example, an airline's direct emissions are all those generated by the kerosene burned by its aircraft, while indirect emissions include the manufacturing and scrapping of airplanes, all the electricity used to operate the airline's office, and the daily emissions from employees commuting to and from work. In another example, an electricity company that operates coal, fuel or natural gas thermal plants has a direct GHG emission, while the office that purchases its electricity will consider it an indirect emission.
Simplification of standards and definitions
Neutral fuels are those that neither increase nor reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere when used. Before an agency can certify an organization or individual as carbon neutral, it is important to specify whether indirect emissions are included in the carbon footprint calculation.[16] Most voluntary carbon neutral certifiers, such as Standard Carbon in the US, require that both direct and indirect sources be reduced and offset. For example, if an organization wants to be certified by this company, it must offset all direct and indirect emissions from its trips at a rate of 1 pound "Pound (mass unit)") of CO2e per passenger mile, and 100% of all direct non-electrical emissions.[17] Purchases of electricity generated with emissions must also be offset, or purchase electricity generated only with renewables. This standard differs slightly from that developed by the widely used World Resources Institute and may be easier to calculate and apply.
Much of the confusion around climate neutrality standards can be attributed to the number of them that exist today. For organizations looking at which carbon offsets to purchase, it is critical to know which standards are robust, credible and permanent. Among the main standards in the voluntary market are the Verified Carbon Standard, the Gold Standard (trade name; not to be confused with the old monetary system), the North American Carbon Registry, the Climate Action Reserve or the Vivo plan. In addition, companies can acquire emission reduction certificates (known by their English acronym CER) that result from the emissions mitigation achieved by projects for voluntary purposes approved by the UNFCCC.
The concept of shared resources also reduces the emissions that a given organization has to offset, since all emissions upstream and downstream of this organization's activity are already offset by other organizations or individuals. If all organizations and individuals were involved in the effort to achieve climate neutrality, this would not result in counting the same emissions reduction more than once.
Regarding terminology in the UK and Ireland, in December 2011 the Advertising Standards Authority (in a decision defended by its independent evaluator, Sir Hayden Phillips) controversially ordered that no manufactured product could be marketed as "zero carbon", because carbon dioxide is inevitably emitted during its manufacture. This decision was made in relation to a solar panel whose emissions during manufacturing were offset after 1.2 years of use. The decision appears to mean that no building or manufactured product can legitimately be described as "zero carbon" in the jurisdiction of this authority.[18].
Commitments
Ser neutro en carbono se ve cada vez más como bueno respecto a la responsabilidad social corporativa o estatal y una lista de creciente de Estados y empresas están anunciando fechas para las que pretenden devenir plenamente neutros.
Acontecimientos como la cumbre del G8[19] y organizaciones como el Banco Mundial[20] también están utilizando la compensación para alcanzar la neutralidad climática. Artistas como The Rolling Stones[21] o Pink Floyd[22] han hecho álbumes o giras neutros en carbono. Live Earth afirma que sus 7 conciertos celebrados el 7 de julio de 2007 fueron el mayor acontecimiento público neutro en carbono de la historia.
Companies and organizations
The original Climate Neutrality Network was an Oregon-based non-profit organization founded by Sue Hall and incorporated in 1999 to persuade companies that being climate neutral saved them costs and made them environmentally sustainable. It developed both the climate neutral certification and the Climate Cool brand (literally: cool for the climate, in a play on words, because cool can be translated, depending on the context, as cool or as cool) with key players such as the Environmental Protection Agency (United States), The Nature Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Institute, Conservation International, and the World Resources Institute. The Climate Neutrality Network managed to have the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games offset its emissions.[23] In March 2011 the electronic headquarters of this organization announced that it was closing its doors, although it planned to continue with the Climate Cool brand, transferring it to a new non-profit organization, unknown at the time.[24] The for-profit company Climate Neutrality Business Network has Sue Hall herself as executive director. (CEO) and many of the organizations that participated in the original Climate Neutrality Network became consulting clients.[25].
The aforementioned non-profit organization Climate Neutrality Network should not be confused with the Climate Neutrality Network of the United Nations Environment Programme, which also disappeared[26] to be replaced by other initiatives.
In fact, few companies have achieved climate neutrality certification, undergoing a rigorous review process and establishing that they have achieved a net zero, or even positive, impact on the global climate. In April 2000, Shaklee Corporation became the first company to be certified as climate neutral. This corporation employs various investments and offset activities, such as tree planting, solar energy, methane capture in abandoned mines and its manufacturing processes.[27] The Climate Neutral Business Network states that it certified the band Dave Matthews' concert tour as climate neutral. The Christian Science Monitor newspaper criticized the use of NativeEnergy, a for-profit company that sells carbon offsets to companies and celebrities such as Dave Matthews.[28].
Another company, Salt Spring Coffee, has achieved climate neutrality by reducing its emissions by reducing the use of long-distance trucks, using biodiesel in its delivery vehicles (as stated in this article, it is controversial that using biofuels is climate neutral), changing its energy equipment for more efficient ones, and acquiring carbon offsets.[29] The company claims to sell the first climate-neutral coffee in Canada.[30] It was recognized by the David Suzuki Foundation in its report. 2010 Doing business in a new climate.[31].
Some business examples of self-proclaimed climate neutrality are Dell, Google, HSBC, ING Group, PepsiCo, Sky, Tesco, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Asos[32] and Bank of Montreal.[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43].
Under UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations pledged in December 2007 to make progress toward climate neutrality. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) announced that it would become climate neutral in 2008 and established a climate neutrality network to promote the idea in February 2008.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games were the first carbon-neutral games in history.[44].
Buildings
According to the UN,[45] in 2007 energy production was responsible for 25.9% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions; industry, 19.4%; forestry, 17.4%; agriculture, 13.5%; and buildings, 7.9%. The North American Institute of Architects' 2030 Commitment is a voluntary program for its members, and other participants in the construction sector, in which it asks them to design all their buildings in a climate-neutral manner by 2030.[46].
In 2010, architecture studio HOK worked with the Weidt Group, an energy and daylighting consultant, to design a prototype 170,735 square foot (15,861.8 m²) energy label A office building with net zero carbon emissions in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.[47]
Countries and communities
European Union.
Currently the European Union has the strongest and most effective initiatives and policies in terms of achieving carbon neutrality. In 2020, the European Commission managed to approve the European Green Deal, the objective of which is to achieve climate neutrality in the Union by 2050, through the direct application of one or several "Regulations (European Union law)") (European legislation) that are binding and enforceable in all States of the Union. The new European law establishes that the Union must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and by 2050 have reduced said emissions by 100%.
• - Bhutan[48] is more than carbon neutral: it has negative emissions.[49] It emits 1.5 million tons of CO every year and absorbs 6 million thanks to its abundant forest mass.[49].
One country has achieved carbon neutrality: Vatican City.[49] It committed to this in 2007.[50].
Other geographic units have committed to achieving this neutrality, among which can be mentioned:.
• - Province of British Columbia (Canada).
• - Costa Rica.
• - Iceland.
• - Maldives.
• - Norway.
• - Tuvalu.
• - Sweden.
• - New Zealand.
In June 2011, the province of British Columbia announced that it had officially become the first state/provincial jurisdiction in North America to achieve carbon neutrality in public sector operations: every school, hospital, university, public enterprise and state agency measured, reported and purchased carbon offsets for all of its 2010 emissions, as required by legislation.[51][52] Several local governments in British Columbia (BC) are also beginning to declare themselves climate neutral.[53] The province aims to accelerate the deployment of natural gas-powered vehicles.[54] Under the LiveSmart BC initiative, consumers who purchase a natural gas furnace or water heater are reimbursed, thus promoting the burning of fossil fuels.[55] The province states that a significant portion of the new gas production will come from the Horn River basin, where approximately 500 will be released into the atmosphere. million tons of CO.[56][57].
Costa Rica aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2021.[58] In 2004, 46.7% of Costa Rica's primary energy came from renewable sources, while in 2006 94% of its electricity was generated by hydroelectric power, wind farms and geothermal energy.[59][60] A 3.5% tax on gasoline is used for compensatory payments to landowners with so that they grow trees and protect forests. The Government is drawing up additional plans to reduce emissions from transport, agriculture and industry.
Carbon neutrality initiatives
Many initiatives seek to help individuals, companies and countries reduce their carbon footprint or achieve full climate neutrality. These include neutralization projects such as the European initiative Neutral website, as well as the Caring for the climate campaign, of the Climate Neutrality Network.
Certification
Although there is currently no international certificate of climate neutrality, some countries have established national certification systems. Examples include the Norwegian ecobeacon program and the Australian carbon offset standard (NCOS).[83].
Other certifications are also available from the Bratislava Stock Exchange (Slovakia) or the British Standards Institute (PAS 2060).
The trademark Climate Neutral Certification was originally granted to the non-profit organization Climate Neutrality Network mentioned above. The first three companies certified as climate neutral were Shaklee, Interface and Saunders Hotels. The electronic headquarters of the non-profit organization indicates that it no longer accepts certification applications.[84].
• - Adaptation to global warming.
• - Climate financing.
• - Forestation.
• - Mitigation of climate change.
• - Reforestation.
• - Climate neutrality now Site launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change so that organizations, companies and individuals can offset their carbon footprint.
• - Taking care of the climate: joint initiative of the Global Compact, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• - CO Neutral Internet Site: allows the owner of an electronic office to neutralize its emissions.
• - Climate neutral now: 3-step plan for climate neutrality. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• - How the carbon footprint is calculated.
• - Obtaining Australian neutrality certificates through the Pangolin company.
[14] ↑ Kebe A., V. Bellassen & A. Leseur (2011) "Voluntary carbon offsetting by local authorities: practices and lessons" Climat report n.29, CDC Climat.
[28] ↑ «Is Dave Matthews' carbon offsets provider really carbon neutral?». CSMonitor.com. 20 de abril de 2010. Consultado el 9 de febrero de 2012. - [http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Is-Dave-Matthews-carbon-offsets-provider-really-carbon-neutral/(page)/2](http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Is-Dave-Matthews-carbon-offsets-provider-really-carbon-neutral/(page)/2)
[46] ↑ «AIA Introduces 2030 Commitment Program to Reach Goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2030». Dexigner.com. 5 de mayo de 2009. Consultado el 2 de noviembre de 2013.: https://www.dexigner.com/news/17758
[60] ↑ President Aims for Carbon Neutrality Archivado el 6 de enero de 2016 en Wayback Machine., Environmental Entrepreneurs, 28 de junio de 2007, consultado el 6 de agosto de 2007.: http://www.e2.org/jsp/controller?docId=13225#costarica
• - Carbon offsetting (carbon offsetting) by paying others to capture and store 100% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere (for example by planting trees)[5] or by financing carbon projects that should lead to preventing future emissions, or by purchasing carbon credits, which, in practice, are rights to emit GHG, and there are a limited number of them in the emissions market. If someone buys them, and does not emit those GHGs, the amount of GHG emitted will be reduced by that amount.[6] The practice of these offsets has received some criticism.[7].
The term carbon neutrality was the 2006 word of the year for the New Oxford American Dictionary.[8].
Process
Contenido
La neutralidad de carbono se consigue normalmente con los siguientes pasos (aunque pueden variar dependiendo de si los dan individuos, empresas, organizaciones, ciudades, regiones o países):.
Commitment
For individuals the decision is likely to be straightforward, but for more complex groups it typically requires political leadership at the highest level and broad popular agreement on the validity of the effort.
Computation and analysis
Quantifying and analyzing the emissions that must be eliminated, and the options for doing so, is the crucial step in the process, because it allows you to set priorities for action – from the products you buy (some have a higher carbon footprint than others) to energy production, use and transportation – and begin to measure progress. This can be achieved through a GHG inventory that answers questions such as:
• - What operations, activities, units should be included?
• - What sources should be included (see Direct and indirect emissions section)?
• - Who is responsible for what emissions?
• - What gases should be included?
For individuals, carbon calculators can simplify the task by compiling an inventory of their emissions. They typically measure electricity consumption in kWh, the amount and type of fuel used for heating and hot water, and how many kilometers the individual drives in their car, flies, and rides in other vehicles. Individuals can also set various boundaries in the system where they move, e.g. e.g. personal GHG emissions, emissions from your home, or what company you work for.
Many carbon calculators are available on the Internet, which vary significantly in their usefulness and the parameters they measure. Some only take into account cars, planes and home energy. Others also cover household waste or leisure.
In some circumstances the goal is to go beyond carbon neutrality (usually after a certain amount of time taken to achieve it) and begin to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, rather than just not increasing it. Because although some individuals, companies or countries reduce their emissions, even a lot, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to grow, and in 2017 it reached[9] 405 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the level of 400 ppm that scientists consider dangerous (because it can lead to catastrophic events).[10].
Action
To start moving towards climate neutrality, companies and local administrations can use an environmental management system (EMS) or sustainability established by the international standard ISO 14001 (developed by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO). Another EMS framework is EMAS, the European Ecological Management and Audit System, used by numerous EU companies. Many local authorities apply EMS to certain sectors of their administration, or even certify (that is, have all their operations examined by an independent auditor) with one of these standards.
Reduction
One of the strongest arguments for reducing GHG emissions is that it saves money. When energy prices engage in one of their frequent upward cycles (often driven by a rise in the price of oil), it becomes more expensive to travel, heat and light homes and workplaces, and keep a modern economy running. So it's both common sense and climate-smart to use energy as soberly as possible.
Examples of actions to reduce GHG emissions are:
• - Limit energy consumption and emissions from transportation (using bicycles, public transportation or your own feet instead of a private vehicle, avoiding flying by plane, using low-consumption vehicles), as well as from buildings, equipment, animals and processes.
• - Obtain electricity and other energy (for example, thermal, from a solar thermal installation) from a renewable energy source, either directly by the end user of the energy (such as by installing photovoltaic panels on the roof of their house), or by selecting a certified green energy supplier. Another proposed method is to use alternative low-emission fuels, such as sustainable biofuels, but they are controversial[11] because they can result in a net increase in emissions, in addition to an increase in food prices[12] and deforestation.[13].
Compensation
The use of carbon offsets aims to neutralize a certain volume of GHG emissions by financing projects – such as planting trees – that should result in a reduction in emissions elsewhere. Under the premise “first reduce what you can and then offset the rest”, compensation can be achieved by supporting a responsible carbon project, or by purchasing carbon offsets or carbon credits.
Carbon offsetting is also a tool for several local authorities around the world.[14].
In 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), following the mandate of the executive committee of the Clean Development Mechanism, launched a specific website (see below, in External links) where organizations and companies, but also individuals, can offset their carbon footprint with the aim of involving everyone in promoting sustainability.
Compensation is sometimes seen as a controversial and partial issue (whoever talks about it belongs to a certain side). For example, James Hansen describes offsetting as "modern indulgences, sold to an increasingly emissions-conscious public, to absolve their climate sins." Indulgences are a mechanism of the Catholic Church to exempt from the temporal penalties that sins entail. Its highly criticized abuse gave rise, along with other factors, to the Protestant schism.
Evaluation and repetition
This phase includes evaluating the results and compiling a list of proposed improvements, with the results documented and reported, so that the experience of what works (and what doesn't) is shared with those who can put it to good use.
Finally, with everything completed, the carbon neutrality process begins again, this time incorporating the lessons learned. Science and technology advance, regulations (for example, on emissions) become stricter and the standards demanded by the population rise. So the second cycle will go further than the first, and the process will continue, each successive phase building and improving on the previous one.
Direct and indirect emissions
To be considered carbon neutral, an organization has to reduce its carbon footprint to zero. Determining what is included in the carbon footprint depends on the organization and the standards it follows. Generally, direct emissions have to be reduced and fully offset, while indirect emissions from purchased electricity can be reduced by purchasing a portion of that electricity from a company that generates it with renewable energy. If the organization only purchases electricity generated from renewable energy, then it eliminates its indirect emissions.
Direct emissions include all those resulting from manufacturing, the organization's vehicles, reimbursed travel, livestock (for example, each cow releases between 113 and 189 liters of methane daily)[15] and any other source that is directly controlled by the organization. Indirect emissions include all those that result from the use or purchase of a product. For example, an airline's direct emissions are all those generated by the kerosene burned by its aircraft, while indirect emissions include the manufacturing and scrapping of airplanes, all the electricity used to operate the airline's office, and the daily emissions from employees commuting to and from work. In another example, an electricity company that operates coal, fuel or natural gas thermal plants has a direct GHG emission, while the office that purchases its electricity will consider it an indirect emission.
Simplification of standards and definitions
Neutral fuels are those that neither increase nor reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere when used. Before an agency can certify an organization or individual as carbon neutral, it is important to specify whether indirect emissions are included in the carbon footprint calculation.[16] Most voluntary carbon neutral certifiers, such as Standard Carbon in the US, require that both direct and indirect sources be reduced and offset. For example, if an organization wants to be certified by this company, it must offset all direct and indirect emissions from its trips at a rate of 1 pound "Pound (mass unit)") of CO2e per passenger mile, and 100% of all direct non-electrical emissions.[17] Purchases of electricity generated with emissions must also be offset, or purchase electricity generated only with renewables. This standard differs slightly from that developed by the widely used World Resources Institute and may be easier to calculate and apply.
Much of the confusion around climate neutrality standards can be attributed to the number of them that exist today. For organizations looking at which carbon offsets to purchase, it is critical to know which standards are robust, credible and permanent. Among the main standards in the voluntary market are the Verified Carbon Standard, the Gold Standard (trade name; not to be confused with the old monetary system), the North American Carbon Registry, the Climate Action Reserve or the Vivo plan. In addition, companies can acquire emission reduction certificates (known by their English acronym CER) that result from the emissions mitigation achieved by projects for voluntary purposes approved by the UNFCCC.
The concept of shared resources also reduces the emissions that a given organization has to offset, since all emissions upstream and downstream of this organization's activity are already offset by other organizations or individuals. If all organizations and individuals were involved in the effort to achieve climate neutrality, this would not result in counting the same emissions reduction more than once.
Regarding terminology in the UK and Ireland, in December 2011 the Advertising Standards Authority (in a decision defended by its independent evaluator, Sir Hayden Phillips) controversially ordered that no manufactured product could be marketed as "zero carbon", because carbon dioxide is inevitably emitted during its manufacture. This decision was made in relation to a solar panel whose emissions during manufacturing were offset after 1.2 years of use. The decision appears to mean that no building or manufactured product can legitimately be described as "zero carbon" in the jurisdiction of this authority.[18].
Commitments
Ser neutro en carbono se ve cada vez más como bueno respecto a la responsabilidad social corporativa o estatal y una lista de creciente de Estados y empresas están anunciando fechas para las que pretenden devenir plenamente neutros.
Acontecimientos como la cumbre del G8[19] y organizaciones como el Banco Mundial[20] también están utilizando la compensación para alcanzar la neutralidad climática. Artistas como The Rolling Stones[21] o Pink Floyd[22] han hecho álbumes o giras neutros en carbono. Live Earth afirma que sus 7 conciertos celebrados el 7 de julio de 2007 fueron el mayor acontecimiento público neutro en carbono de la historia.
Companies and organizations
The original Climate Neutrality Network was an Oregon-based non-profit organization founded by Sue Hall and incorporated in 1999 to persuade companies that being climate neutral saved them costs and made them environmentally sustainable. It developed both the climate neutral certification and the Climate Cool brand (literally: cool for the climate, in a play on words, because cool can be translated, depending on the context, as cool or as cool) with key players such as the Environmental Protection Agency (United States), The Nature Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Institute, Conservation International, and the World Resources Institute. The Climate Neutrality Network managed to have the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games offset its emissions.[23] In March 2011 the electronic headquarters of this organization announced that it was closing its doors, although it planned to continue with the Climate Cool brand, transferring it to a new non-profit organization, unknown at the time.[24] The for-profit company Climate Neutrality Business Network has Sue Hall herself as executive director. (CEO) and many of the organizations that participated in the original Climate Neutrality Network became consulting clients.[25].
The aforementioned non-profit organization Climate Neutrality Network should not be confused with the Climate Neutrality Network of the United Nations Environment Programme, which also disappeared[26] to be replaced by other initiatives.
In fact, few companies have achieved climate neutrality certification, undergoing a rigorous review process and establishing that they have achieved a net zero, or even positive, impact on the global climate. In April 2000, Shaklee Corporation became the first company to be certified as climate neutral. This corporation employs various investments and offset activities, such as tree planting, solar energy, methane capture in abandoned mines and its manufacturing processes.[27] The Climate Neutral Business Network states that it certified the band Dave Matthews' concert tour as climate neutral. The Christian Science Monitor newspaper criticized the use of NativeEnergy, a for-profit company that sells carbon offsets to companies and celebrities such as Dave Matthews.[28].
Another company, Salt Spring Coffee, has achieved climate neutrality by reducing its emissions by reducing the use of long-distance trucks, using biodiesel in its delivery vehicles (as stated in this article, it is controversial that using biofuels is climate neutral), changing its energy equipment for more efficient ones, and acquiring carbon offsets.[29] The company claims to sell the first climate-neutral coffee in Canada.[30] It was recognized by the David Suzuki Foundation in its report. 2010 Doing business in a new climate.[31].
Some business examples of self-proclaimed climate neutrality are Dell, Google, HSBC, ING Group, PepsiCo, Sky, Tesco, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Asos[32] and Bank of Montreal.[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43].
Under UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations pledged in December 2007 to make progress toward climate neutrality. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) announced that it would become climate neutral in 2008 and established a climate neutrality network to promote the idea in February 2008.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games were the first carbon-neutral games in history.[44].
Buildings
According to the UN,[45] in 2007 energy production was responsible for 25.9% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions; industry, 19.4%; forestry, 17.4%; agriculture, 13.5%; and buildings, 7.9%. The North American Institute of Architects' 2030 Commitment is a voluntary program for its members, and other participants in the construction sector, in which it asks them to design all their buildings in a climate-neutral manner by 2030.[46].
In 2010, architecture studio HOK worked with the Weidt Group, an energy and daylighting consultant, to design a prototype 170,735 square foot (15,861.8 m²) energy label A office building with net zero carbon emissions in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.[47]
Countries and communities
European Union.
Currently the European Union has the strongest and most effective initiatives and policies in terms of achieving carbon neutrality. In 2020, the European Commission managed to approve the European Green Deal, the objective of which is to achieve climate neutrality in the Union by 2050, through the direct application of one or several "Regulations (European Union law)") (European legislation) that are binding and enforceable in all States of the Union. The new European law establishes that the Union must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and by 2050 have reduced said emissions by 100%.
• - Bhutan[48] is more than carbon neutral: it has negative emissions.[49] It emits 1.5 million tons of CO every year and absorbs 6 million thanks to its abundant forest mass.[49].
One country has achieved carbon neutrality: Vatican City.[49] It committed to this in 2007.[50].
Other geographic units have committed to achieving this neutrality, among which can be mentioned:.
• - Province of British Columbia (Canada).
• - Costa Rica.
• - Iceland.
• - Maldives.
• - Norway.
• - Tuvalu.
• - Sweden.
• - New Zealand.
In June 2011, the province of British Columbia announced that it had officially become the first state/provincial jurisdiction in North America to achieve carbon neutrality in public sector operations: every school, hospital, university, public enterprise and state agency measured, reported and purchased carbon offsets for all of its 2010 emissions, as required by legislation.[51][52] Several local governments in British Columbia (BC) are also beginning to declare themselves climate neutral.[53] The province aims to accelerate the deployment of natural gas-powered vehicles.[54] Under the LiveSmart BC initiative, consumers who purchase a natural gas furnace or water heater are reimbursed, thus promoting the burning of fossil fuels.[55] The province states that a significant portion of the new gas production will come from the Horn River basin, where approximately 500 will be released into the atmosphere. million tons of CO.[56][57].
Costa Rica aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2021.[58] In 2004, 46.7% of Costa Rica's primary energy came from renewable sources, while in 2006 94% of its electricity was generated by hydroelectric power, wind farms and geothermal energy.[59][60] A 3.5% tax on gasoline is used for compensatory payments to landowners with so that they grow trees and protect forests. The Government is drawing up additional plans to reduce emissions from transport, agriculture and industry.
Carbon neutrality initiatives
Many initiatives seek to help individuals, companies and countries reduce their carbon footprint or achieve full climate neutrality. These include neutralization projects such as the European initiative Neutral website, as well as the Caring for the climate campaign, of the Climate Neutrality Network.
Certification
Although there is currently no international certificate of climate neutrality, some countries have established national certification systems. Examples include the Norwegian ecobeacon program and the Australian carbon offset standard (NCOS).[83].
Other certifications are also available from the Bratislava Stock Exchange (Slovakia) or the British Standards Institute (PAS 2060).
The trademark Climate Neutral Certification was originally granted to the non-profit organization Climate Neutrality Network mentioned above. The first three companies certified as climate neutral were Shaklee, Interface and Saunders Hotels. The electronic headquarters of the non-profit organization indicates that it no longer accepts certification applications.[84].
• - Adaptation to global warming.
• - Climate financing.
• - Forestation.
• - Mitigation of climate change.
• - Reforestation.
• - Climate neutrality now Site launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change so that organizations, companies and individuals can offset their carbon footprint.
• - Taking care of the climate: joint initiative of the Global Compact, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• - CO Neutral Internet Site: allows the owner of an electronic office to neutralize its emissions.
• - Climate neutral now: 3-step plan for climate neutrality. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• - How the carbon footprint is calculated.
• - Obtaining Australian neutrality certificates through the Pangolin company.
[14] ↑ Kebe A., V. Bellassen & A. Leseur (2011) "Voluntary carbon offsetting by local authorities: practices and lessons" Climat report n.29, CDC Climat.
[28] ↑ «Is Dave Matthews' carbon offsets provider really carbon neutral?». CSMonitor.com. 20 de abril de 2010. Consultado el 9 de febrero de 2012. - [http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Is-Dave-Matthews-carbon-offsets-provider-really-carbon-neutral/(page)/2](http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2010/0420/Is-Dave-Matthews-carbon-offsets-provider-really-carbon-neutral/(page)/2)
[46] ↑ «AIA Introduces 2030 Commitment Program to Reach Goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2030». Dexigner.com. 5 de mayo de 2009. Consultado el 2 de noviembre de 2013.: https://www.dexigner.com/news/17758
[60] ↑ President Aims for Carbon Neutrality Archivado el 6 de enero de 2016 en Wayback Machine., Environmental Entrepreneurs, 28 de junio de 2007, consultado el 6 de agosto de 2007.: http://www.e2.org/jsp/controller?docId=13225#costarica
The island of Samsø in Denmark is the largest carbon-neutral human settlement on the planet. With a population of 4,200 people, it generates its electricity with wind energy and its community heating with biomass. They currently generate more wind energy than they consume, and export the difference to compensate for vehicles powered by petroleum products. There are future hopes of using electric vehicles or biofuels.[61][62].
Iceland is also moving towards climate neutrality. More than 99% of its electricity production and almost 80% of its primary energy comes from hydroelectricity and geothermal energy. No other nation uses such a high proportion of renewable energy.[63].
In February 2008, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway were the first 4 countries to join the Climate Neutrality Network, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to catalyze global action towards low-carbon economies and societies.
Former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed pledged in 2008 to make his country carbon neutral by 2020 by adopting solar and wind energy. The Maldives, which consists of low-lying islands, would be one of the first countries to be submerged due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, caused in turn by the excessive concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Maldives presided over the founding of the Climate Vulnerability Forum.
The New Zealand "carbon neutral public sector" initiative aimed to offset the emissions of an initial group of 6 state agencies by 2012. Unavoidable emissions would be offset, mainly through native forest regeneration projects in protected natural areas. The 34 public agencies of the State also had to launch emissions reduction programs. This initiative was interrupted in March 2009.[64].
On 19 April 2007, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced at the annual congress of the Norwegian Labor Party that, by 2012, Norway's GHG emissions would be reduced by 10% more than its commitment to Kyoto, and that the government had agreed to reduce emissions by 30% by 2020. He also proposed that Norway should become climate neutral by 2050, and encouraged other rich countries to This carbon neutrality would be achieved in part by offsets, a proposal criticized by Greenpeace, which also called on Norway to take responsibility for the 500 million tonnes of emissions caused by its oil and gas exports. The Norwegian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature also believes that the purchase of carbon offsets is unacceptable: "[67] The environmentalist Bellona Foundation believes that the prime minister was forced to act by pressure from anti-European members of the coalition government, and called the announcement "visions without content."
In January 2008 the Norwegian Government went a step further and declared the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. But it has not finalized plans to reduce national emissions; The plan is based on buying offsets from other countries, and in reality very little has been done to reduce Norway's emissions, apart from a very successful policy[68] for electric vehicles.
In Spain, in 2014, the island of El Hierro, in the Canary archipelago, became climate neutral (for its energy production).[69][70] In Montecorvo, province of La Rioja, a carbon-neutral eco-city was planned,[71][72] but in 2018 it is still not completed due to legal doubts.[73].
Orkney has significant wind and marine energy resources, and renewable energy has recently begun to predominate. Although these small islands are electrically connected to Great Britain, they generate more than 100% of the energy they consume from renewable sources.[74] This comes mainly from nearby wind turbines.
Sweden aims to become climate neutral by 2045.[75] The idea is that net GHG emissions should be zero. The global objective is that the increase in global average temperature is limited to 2 °C (a greater increase could have devastating consequences),[76] and that the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere is stabilized at a maximum of 400 ppm.[77].
Jeju Island aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.[78].
In July 2007, Vatican City announced a plan to become the world's first carbon-neutral country, following the Pope's policy to eliminate global warming. The goal would be achieved through the donation of the Vatican Climate Forest in Hungary. The forest has the necessary extension to, as it grows, and therefore fixes carbon, offset the annual emissions of the Holy See.[79] However, since 2008 no trees have been planted.[80] The company KlimaFa no longer exists and has not kept its promises.[81] In November 2008, the city State also installed and commissioned 2,400 solar panels on the roof of the Pablo Center's audience hall. VI.[82] A news[49] from 2016 states that the Vatican is one of the only 2 countries that have achieved carbon neutrality (the other is Bhutan).
The island of Samsø in Denmark is the largest carbon-neutral human settlement on the planet. With a population of 4,200 people, it generates its electricity with wind energy and its community heating with biomass. They currently generate more wind energy than they consume, and export the difference to compensate for vehicles powered by petroleum products. There are future hopes of using electric vehicles or biofuels.[61][62].
Iceland is also moving towards climate neutrality. More than 99% of its electricity production and almost 80% of its primary energy comes from hydroelectricity and geothermal energy. No other nation uses such a high proportion of renewable energy.[63].
In February 2008, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Norway were the first 4 countries to join the Climate Neutrality Network, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to catalyze global action towards low-carbon economies and societies.
Former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed pledged in 2008 to make his country carbon neutral by 2020 by adopting solar and wind energy. The Maldives, which consists of low-lying islands, would be one of the first countries to be submerged due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, caused in turn by the excessive concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Maldives presided over the founding of the Climate Vulnerability Forum.
The New Zealand "carbon neutral public sector" initiative aimed to offset the emissions of an initial group of 6 state agencies by 2012. Unavoidable emissions would be offset, mainly through native forest regeneration projects in protected natural areas. The 34 public agencies of the State also had to launch emissions reduction programs. This initiative was interrupted in March 2009.[64].
On 19 April 2007, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced at the annual congress of the Norwegian Labor Party that, by 2012, Norway's GHG emissions would be reduced by 10% more than its commitment to Kyoto, and that the government had agreed to reduce emissions by 30% by 2020. He also proposed that Norway should become climate neutral by 2050, and encouraged other rich countries to This carbon neutrality would be achieved in part by offsets, a proposal criticized by Greenpeace, which also called on Norway to take responsibility for the 500 million tonnes of emissions caused by its oil and gas exports. The Norwegian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature also believes that the purchase of carbon offsets is unacceptable: "[67] The environmentalist Bellona Foundation believes that the prime minister was forced to act by pressure from anti-European members of the coalition government, and called the announcement "visions without content."
In January 2008 the Norwegian Government went a step further and declared the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. But it has not finalized plans to reduce national emissions; The plan is based on buying offsets from other countries, and in reality very little has been done to reduce Norway's emissions, apart from a very successful policy[68] for electric vehicles.
In Spain, in 2014, the island of El Hierro, in the Canary archipelago, became climate neutral (for its energy production).[69][70] In Montecorvo, province of La Rioja, a carbon-neutral eco-city was planned,[71][72] but in 2018 it is still not completed due to legal doubts.[73].
Orkney has significant wind and marine energy resources, and renewable energy has recently begun to predominate. Although these small islands are electrically connected to Great Britain, they generate more than 100% of the energy they consume from renewable sources.[74] This comes mainly from nearby wind turbines.
Sweden aims to become climate neutral by 2045.[75] The idea is that net GHG emissions should be zero. The global objective is that the increase in global average temperature is limited to 2 °C (a greater increase could have devastating consequences),[76] and that the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere is stabilized at a maximum of 400 ppm.[77].
Jeju Island aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.[78].
In July 2007, Vatican City announced a plan to become the world's first carbon-neutral country, following the Pope's policy to eliminate global warming. The goal would be achieved through the donation of the Vatican Climate Forest in Hungary. The forest has the necessary extension to, as it grows, and therefore fixes carbon, offset the annual emissions of the Holy See.[79] However, since 2008 no trees have been planted.[80] The company KlimaFa no longer exists and has not kept its promises.[81] In November 2008, the city State also installed and commissioned 2,400 solar panels on the roof of the Pablo Center's audience hall. VI.[82] A news[49] from 2016 states that the Vatican is one of the only 2 countries that have achieved carbon neutrality (the other is Bhutan).