What is net zero, vs sustainability vs low carbon

Net zero is achieved when we reach a balance between emissions and removals that are the result of human activity. This can apply to an individual, a business, an industry or an entire country.  

You should specify whether you are working towards net zero carbon dioxide (CO2), or net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – a broader group of greenhouse gases that includes CO2.

Like many other developed nations, the UK has set the target of achieving net zero by 2050, which means that businesses of all shapes and sizes must aim to decarbonise within that timeframe.  

Getting to net zero will look different for every business, but the key thing is to start now by making a plan - and sticking to it!

Carbon reduction should form the basis of your net zero plan, but you can also do things in the short-term to help, such as carbon offsetting. Though keep in mind we can’t offset our way out of the climate crisis.

Sustainability is a broadly defined term that means different things to different people.  

Simply put, sustainability is the ability to maintain a business or process continually over time, operating in harmony with the environment, economy and society.  

In the context of business, sustainability means running your company in accordance with what is referred to as a ‘triple-bottom line’, which includes people, planet, and profit.  

A sustainable business is one that is profitable and generating revenues which will maintain operations over the long-term, but also one that looks after its employees and the environment.  

Profit is fundamental to business, but without people and a planet there won’t be much of it.

Any business hoping to become sustainable should therefore have a plan to achieve net zero, but this should be happening alongside a strong business plan and commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement and development.  

The B Corp movement is considered the gold standard for sustainability in business, and you can find out how to become a certified B Corporation here.

Low carbon means just that - processes that contribute less carbon than traditional ones but aren’t carbon neutral (producing no carbon at all).  

This is different to the idea of net zero because it isn’t concerned with achieving a balance alongside removals, but instead just focuses on reducing the amount of CO2 emissions.

Low carbon isn’t a long-term solution. In fact, becoming a low carbon business should be seen as a step towards net zero.

Carbon reduction is only one piece of the puzzle, though an important one. Companies are likely to achieve this first as it’s easier to do in the interim through things such as carbon offsetting, before achieving the wider goal of carbon neutrality.

Now you’ve mastered the lingo and are looking to take your first steps in committing to net zero and becoming a sustainable business – but where do you start?

Well, the good news is you already have!

Step one comes from becoming ‘carbon literate’ and developing your understanding, so learning the terms is a great foundation for your journey. You can learn more terms on the topic here.

After this, you need to reflect on your current business model and processes to figure out the changes you need to make. From assessing where you are currently, you can then plot a course to where you need to be, how you’re going to get there and how long it might take.

A good place to start is the NatWest Carbon Planner, which will help you calculate your business’s current carbon footprint and plan a route forward to reduce it.

Remember to set targets to track progress and hold the business and everyone in it accountable.