Carbon Neutral versus Net Zero

The terms 'carbon neutral' and 'net zero' are often used interchangeably but are very different.

Carbon neutrality is defined as “a condition in which during a specified period there has been no net increase in the global emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere as a result of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the subject during the same period”. 

Net zero definitions can also vary although the international charity CDP (previously known as the Carbon Disclosure Project), defines net zero targets that include GHGP scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and must align to the 1.5°C science-based target.

Carbon neutrality for an organisation only requires Scope 1 and 2, and carbon offsetting is often used to get to neutrality. Scope 3 emissions are encouraged but not mandatory, and the level of temperature ambition for carbon neutrality is rarely specified.

So what's the difference between the two? In layman's terms, carbon neutrality refers to offsetting your carbon emissions with carbon-capturing activity (so although you are still producing carbon, you are capturing just as much as you produce). Net zero takes this further, and suggests that no carbon is emitted from the start, so nothing needs to be captured or offset - we can strive for net zero by opting for renewable energy, electric vehicles and non-polluting alternatives.