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ISO - Embracing net zero: a crucial step towards a sustainable future

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The transition to net-zero emissions presents a compelling solution that offers not only environmental benefits but also economic, social and health advantages. Failing to act swiftly and decisively risks catastrophic <a href="/climate-change" title="climate-change-what-it-is">climate change</a>, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to food and water supplies.</p> <p>Let&rsquo;s delve into the key reasons why embracing net zero is vital for our collective wellbeing:</p> <ul> <li>Tackling the climate crisis</li> <li>Protecting human health</li> <li>Driving innovation and economic growth</li> <li>Enhancing energy security</li> <li>Preserving ecosystems and biodiversity</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row row-middle justify-content-center"> <div class="col-md-9 col-lg-7 col-xl-6"> <h2 class="h3">Table of contents</h2> <div id="toc">Enable Javascript to view table</div> <script type="module" defer> if (document.querySelector("#toc") != null) { // Create a list and update its class var toc = document.createElement("ul"); toc.classList.add("toc-list"); // Loop on headings let idx = 0; document.querySelectorAll('h2:not([class])').forEach(heading => { let title = heading.textContent; idx = idx + 1; heading.id = "toc" + idx; let href = "#toc" + idx; let tocElement = document.createElement("li"); tocElement.classList.add("toc-item"); let tocElementAnchor = document.createElement("a"); tocElementAnchor.setAttribute('href', href); tocElementAnchor.setAttribute('title', title); tocElementAnchor.classList.add("page-scroll"); tocElementAnchor.textContent = title; // Append the element to .container tocElement.appendChild(tocElementAnchor); toc.appendChild(tocElement); }); document.getElementById("toc").textContent = ''; document.querySelector("#toc"). appendChild(toc); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="row justify-content-center"> <style> @media only screen and (min-width: 992px) { #newsBody figure.width-100pct.landscape, #newsBody .emphasis { margin-inline: -10%; width: 120%; max-width: calc(66ch + 20%); } } #newsBody .emphasis { margin-block: 3.75rem; } #newsBody .emphasis > * { text-align: center; margin-inline: auto; max-width: 55ch; } </style> <div class="col-md-9 col-lg-7 col-xl-6" id="newsBody"> <h2>What is net zero?</h2> <p>While there are variations in definitions of net zero, the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA&nbsp;42:2022) define net zero as &ldquo;a condition in which human-caused residual greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are balanced by human-led removals over a specified period and within specified boundaries&rdquo;. Achieving this balance is a complex process involving emission reductions, offsetting and innovative technologies.</p> <p>The shift to a net-zero emissions world can be achieved by reducing emissions at their source and counter-balancing residual emissions through carbon dioxide removal. Emissions reduction is the process of directly cutting emissions of all GHGs (CO<sub>2</sub> and other GHGs including methane (CH<sub>4</sub>), nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) and hydrofluorocarbons, which tend to trap more heat than carbon dioxide). Carbon dioxide removal involves investing in &ldquo;carbon sinks&rdquo;&nbsp;&ndash; e.g. tree planting, soil carbon management, biochar, direct air carbon capture and storage that absorb CO<sub>2</sub> from the atmosphere. Offsetting involves an organization purchasing carbon credits generated by emissions reduction or removal enhancement projects undertaken by another organization, to neutralize its residual carbon footprint.</p> <h2>Carbon neutral vs net zero: what&rsquo;s in it for business?</h2> <p>Is net zero the same as carbon neutral? When businesses say they are &ldquo;carbon neutral&rdquo;, they mean that they have estimated their carbon footprint, taken steps to reduce it by reducing their GHG emissions and increasing their removals, and subsequently offset their remaining footprint. When businesses talk about &ldquo;net zero&rdquo;, they are referring to a future target by which they plan to have reduced their GHG emissions and increased their carbon dioxide removals as much as possible, and offset their remaining footprint using carbon credits from carbon sink projects.</p> <p>Action towards net zero consists of ambitious emission reductions across the value chain, systemic changes across sectors and active removal of CO<sub>2</sub>. Businesses can become carbon neutral on their way to reaching their net-zero goal; this also contributes to the broader global effort to reach net zero.</p> <p>By adopting a net-zero mindset&nbsp;&ndash; i.e. setting a target date to reach net zero, and becoming carbon neutral now&nbsp;&ndash; we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable future, ensure climate resilience, and create opportunities for innovation, green jobs and economic prosperity.</p><div class="emphasis emphasis-gray clearfix"> <div class="" id="subscribe"> <h4>Sign up for email updates</h4> <p>Register to receive resources and updates on related topics and standards.</p><form method="POST" action="https://iso272.activehosted.com/proc.php" id="_form_50_" class="_form _form_50 _inline-form _dark" novalidate> <input type="hidden" name="u" value="50" /> <input type="hidden" name="f" value="50" /> <input type="hidden" name="s" /> <input type="hidden" name="c" value="0" /> <input type="hidden" name="m" value="0" /> <input type="hidden" name="act" value="sub" /> <input type="hidden" name="v" value="2" /> <input type="hidden" name="or" value="9417b9cd52ff6c742e176a370ed5442a" /> <style> ._error { width: 100%; padding: 0.5em 1.25em; text-align: left; } .grecaptcha-badge { visibility: hidden; } </style> <div class="_form-content"> <div class="input-group input-group-round mb-3"> <input type="text" id="email" class="form-control" name="email" placeholder="Email" aria-label="Email" aria-describedby="_form_50_submit" required/> <input type="hidden" id="recaptchaResponse" name="recaptcha_response"> <button id="_form_50_submit" class="_submit btn btn-primary" type="submit" class="g-recaptcha" data-sitekey="6Lfvyx8qAAAAAHOXkwbvVobjfLbVzBEnEVRuLtNA" data-callback='onSubmit' data-action='submit'> Subscribe</button> </div> </div> <div class="_form-thank-you mb-3" style="display:none;"> <p><strong>Almost done!&nbsp;</strong><br /> You are only one step away from joining the ISO subscriber list. Please confirm your subscription by clicking on the email we&#39;ve just sent to you. You will not be registered until you confirm your subscription. If you can&#39;t find the email, kindly check your spam folder and/or the promotions tab (if you use Gmail).</p></div> </form> <script type="text/javascript"> if (document.getElementsByClassName("is-prod is-live")[0]) { console.debug = function () {} }; // redefine console.debug on PROD+LIVE window._check_reCaptcha_50 = function() { grecaptcha.ready(function() { grecaptcha.execute('6Lfvyx8qAAAAAHOXkwbvVobjfLbVzBEnEVRuLtNA', {action: 'submit'}).then(function (token) { document.getElementById('recaptchaResponse').value = token; // console.debug('token = ' + token); let urlRestApi = "https://recaptchaenterprise.googleapis.com/v1/projects/iso-website-1722850679238/assessments?key=AIzaSyBzn_mnNayynzq0NemiOop0b9eLKaoiViE"; let jsonRequest = { event: { token: token, expectedAction: "submit", siteKey: "6Lfvyx8qAAAAAHOXkwbvVobjfLbVzBEnEVRuLtNA" } } // Verify the token and get the score fetch(urlRestApi, { method: 'POST', headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }, body: JSON.stringify(jsonRequest) }).then(response => response.json()).then(data => { console.debug("data = " + JSON.stringify(data)); if (data.tokenProperties.valid && data.riskAnalysis.score >= 0.5) { // If the score is good, submit the form // console.debug("reCaptcha validation: " + data.tokenProperties.valid); console.debug("reCaptcha score: " + data.riskAnalysis.score); var _form_serialize_50 = function(form){if(!form||form.nodeName!=="FORM"){return }var i,j,q=[];for(i=0;i<form.elements.length;i++){if(form.elements[i].name===""){continue}switch(form.elements[i].nodeName){case"INPUT":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"tel":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].previousSibling.querySelector('div.iti__selected-dial-code').innerText)+encodeURIComponent(" ")+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"text":case"number":case"date":case"time":case"hidden":case"password":case"button":case"reset":case"submit":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"checkbox":case"radio":if(form.elements[i].checked){q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value))}break;case"file":break}break;case"TEXTAREA":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"SELECT":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"select-one":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"select-multiple":for(j=0;j<form.elements[i].options.length;j++){if(form.elements[i].options[j].selected){q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].options[j].value))}}break}break;case"BUTTON":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"reset":case"submit":case"button":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break}break}}return q.join("&")}; let serialized_50 = _form_serialize_50(document.getElementById('_form_50_')).replace(/%0A/g, '\\n'); _load_script('https://iso272.activehosted.com/proc.php?' + serialized_50 + '&jsonp=true'); console.debug("serialized_ID = " + 50); } else { // Handle the case where the score is too low console.debug('reCAPTCHA verification failed. Please try again.'); console.debug('reCaptcha invalid reason: ' + data.tokenProperties.invalidReason); } }).catch(error => { console.debug('An error occurred. Please try again.'); console.error('Error: ', error); }); }); }); } window._show_thank_you = function(id, message, trackcmp_url, email) { var form = document.getElementById('_form_' + id + '_'), thank_you = form.querySelector('._form-thank-you'); form.querySelector('._form-content').style.display = 'none'; // thank_you.innerHTML = message; thank_you.style.display = 'block'; const vgoAlias = typeof visitorGlobalObjectAlias === 'undefined' ? 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match[2] : null; } var setCookie = function(name, value) { var now = new Date(); var time = now.getTime(); var expireTime = time + 1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365; now.setTime(expireTime); document.cookie = name + '=' + value + '; expires=' + now + ';path=/; Secure; SameSite=Lax;';// cannot be HttpOnly } var addEvent = function(element, event, func) { if (element.addEventListener) { element.addEventListener(event, func); } else { var oldFunc = element['on' + event]; element['on' + event] = function() { oldFunc.apply(this, arguments); func.apply(this, arguments); }; } } var _removed = false; var form_to_submit = document.getElementById('_form_50_'); var allInputs = form_to_submit.querySelectorAll('input, select, textarea'), tooltips = [], submitted = false; var getUrlParam = function(name) { var params = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search); return params.get(name) || false; }; for (var i = 0; i < allInputs.length; i++) { var regexStr = "field\\[(\\d+)\\]"; var results = new RegExp(regexStr).exec(allInputs[i].name); if (results != undefined) { allInputs[i].dataset.name = window.cfields[results[1]]; } else { allInputs[i].dataset.name = allInputs[i].name; } var fieldVal = getUrlParam(allInputs[i].dataset.name); if (fieldVal) { if (allInputs[i].dataset.autofill === "false") { continue; } if (allInputs[i].type == "radio" || allInputs[i].type == "checkbox") { if (allInputs[i].value == fieldVal) { allInputs[i].checked = true; } } else { allInputs[i].value = fieldVal; } } } var remove_tooltips = function() { for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) { tooltips[i].tip.parentNode.removeChild(tooltips[i].tip); } tooltips = []; }; var remove_tooltip = function(elem) { for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) { if (tooltips[i].elem === elem) { tooltips[i].tip.parentNode.removeChild(tooltips[i].tip); tooltips.splice(i, 1); return; } } }; var create_tooltip = function(elem, text) { var tooltip = document.createElement('div'), arrow = document.createElement('div'), inner = document.createElement('div'), new_tooltip = {}; if (elem.type != 'radio' && elem.type != 'checkbox') { tooltip.className = '_error text-sm text-muted text-start'; arrow.className = '_error-arrow'; inner.className = '_error-inner'; inner.innerHTML = text; tooltip.appendChild(arrow); tooltip.appendChild(inner); elem.parentNode.appendChild(tooltip); } else { tooltip.className = '_error-inner _no_arrow'; tooltip.innerHTML = text; elem.parentNode.insertBefore(tooltip, elem); new_tooltip.no_arrow = true; } new_tooltip.tip = tooltip; new_tooltip.elem = elem; tooltips.push(new_tooltip); return new_tooltip; }; var resize_tooltip = function(tooltip) { var rect = tooltip.elem.getBoundingClientRect(); var doc = document.documentElement, scrollPosition = rect.top - ((window.pageYOffset || doc.scrollTop) - (doc.clientTop || 0)); if (scrollPosition < 40) { tooltip.tip.className = tooltip.tip.className.replace(/ ?(_above|_below) ?/g, '') + ' _below'; } else { tooltip.tip.className = tooltip.tip.className.replace(/ ?(_above|_below) ?/g, '') + ' _above'; } }; var resize_tooltips = function() { if (_removed) return; for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) { if (!tooltips[i].no_arrow) resize_tooltip(tooltips[i]); } }; var validate_field = function(elem, remove) { var tooltip = null, value = elem.value, no_error = true; remove ? remove_tooltip(elem) : false; if (elem.type != 'checkbox') elem.className = elem.className.replace(/ ?_has_error ?/g, ''); if (elem.getAttribute('required') !== null) { if (elem.type == 'radio' || (elem.type == 'checkbox' && /any/.test(elem.className))) { var elems = form_to_submit.elements[elem.name]; if (!(elems instanceof NodeList || elems instanceof HTMLCollection) || elems.length <= 1) { no_error = elem.checked; } else { no_error = false; for (var i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) { if (elems[i].checked) no_error = true; } } if (!no_error) { tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Please select an option."); } } else if (elem.type =='checkbox') { var elems = form_to_submit.elements[elem.name], found = false, err = []; no_error = true; for (var i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) { if (elems[i].getAttribute('required') === null) continue; if (!found && elems[i] !== elem) return true; found = true; elems[i].className = elems[i].className.replace(/ ?_has_error ?/g, ''); if (!elems[i].checked) { no_error = false; elems[i].className = elems[i].className + ' _has_error'; err.push("Checking %s is required".replace("%s", elems[i].value)); } } if (!no_error) { tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, err.join('<br/>')); } } else if (elem.tagName == 'SELECT') { var selected = true; if (elem.multiple) { selected = false; for (var i = 0; i < elem.options.length; i++) { if (elem.options[i].selected) { selected = true; break; } } } else { for (var i = 0; i < elem.options.length; i++) { if (elem.options[i].selected && (!elem.options[i].value || (elem.options[i].value.match(/\n/g)))) { selected = false; } } } if (!selected) { elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error'; no_error = false; tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Please select an option."); } } else if (value === undefined || value === null || value === '') { elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error'; no_error = false; tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "This field is required"); } } if (no_error && (elem.id == 'field[]' || elem.id == 'ca[11][v]')) { if (elem.className.includes('phone-input-error')) { elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error'; no_error = false; } } if (no_error && elem.name == 'email') { if (!value.match(/^[\+_a-z0-9-'&=]+(\.[\+_a-z0-9-']+)*@[a-z0-9-]+(\.[a-z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-z]{2,})$/i)) { elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error'; no_error = false; tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, 'Please enter a valid email address'); } } if (no_error && /date_field/.test(elem.className)) { if (!value.match(/^\d\d\d\d-\d\d-\d\d$/)) { elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error'; no_error = false; tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Enter a valid date."); } } tooltip ? resize_tooltip(tooltip) : false; return no_error; }; var needs_validate = function(el) { if(el.getAttribute('required') !== null){ return true } if(el.name === 'email' && el.value !== ""){ return true } if((el.id == 'field[]' || el.id == 'ca[11][v]') && el.className.includes('phone-input-error')){ return true } return false }; var validate_form = function(e) { var err = form_to_submit.querySelector('._form_error'), no_error = true; if (!submitted) { submitted = true; for (var i = 0, len = allInputs.length; i < len; i++) { var input = allInputs[i]; if (needs_validate(input)) { if (input.type == 'tel') { addEvent(input, 'blur', function() { this.value = this.value.trim(); validate_field(this, true); }); } if (input.type == 'text' || input.type == 'number' || input.type == 'time') { addEvent(input, 'blur', function() { this.value = this.value.trim(); validate_field(this, true); }); addEvent(input, 'input', function() { validate_field(this, true); }); } else if (input.type == 'radio' || input.type == 'checkbox') { (function(el) { var radios = form_to_submit.elements[el.name]; for (var i = 0; i < radios.length; i++) { addEvent(radios[i], 'click', function() { validate_field(el, true); }); } })(input); } else if (input.tagName == 'SELECT') { addEvent(input, 'change', function() { validate_field(this, true); }); } else if (input.type == 'textarea'){ addEvent(input, 'input', function() { validate_field(this, true); }); } } } } remove_tooltips(); for (var i = 0, len = allInputs.length; i < len; i++) { var elem = allInputs[i]; if (needs_validate(elem)) { if (elem.tagName.toLowerCase() !== "select") { elem.value = elem.value.trim(); } validate_field(elem) ? true : no_error = false; } } if (!no_error && e) { e.preventDefault(); } resize_tooltips(); return no_error; }; addEvent(window, 'resize', resize_tooltips); addEvent(window, 'scroll', resize_tooltips); var hidePhoneInputError = function(inputId) { var errorMessage = document.getElementById("error-msg-" + inputId); var input = document.getElementById(inputId); errorMessage.classList.remove("phone-error"); errorMessage.classList.add("phone-error-hidden"); input.classList.remove("phone-input-error"); }; var initializePhoneInput = function(input, defaultCountry) { return window.intlTelInput(input, { utilsScript: "https://unpkg.com/intl-tel-input@17.0.18/build/js/utils.js", autoHideDialCode: false, separateDialCode: true, initialCountry: defaultCountry, preferredCountries: [] }); } var setPhoneInputEventListeners = function(inputId, input, iti) { input.addEventListener('blur', function() { var errorMessage = document.getElementById("error-msg-" + inputId); if (input.value.trim()) { if (iti.isValidNumber()) { iti.setNumber(iti.getNumber()); if (errorMessage.classList.contains("phone-error")){ hidePhoneInputError(inputId); } } else { showPhoneInputError(inputId) } } else { if (errorMessage.classList.contains("phone-error")){ hidePhoneInputError(inputId); } } }); input.addEventListener("countrychange", function() { iti.setNumber(''); }); input.addEventListener("keydown", function(e) { var charCode = (e.which) ? e.which : e.keyCode; if (charCode > 31 && (charCode < 48 || charCode > 57) && charCode !== 8) { e.preventDefault(); } }); }; var showPhoneInputError = function(inputId) { var errorMessage = document.getElementById("error-msg-" + inputId); var input = document.getElementById(inputId); errorMessage.classList.add("phone-error"); errorMessage.classList.remove("phone-error-hidden"); input.classList.add("phone-input-error"); }; var form_submit = function(e) { e.preventDefault(); if (validate_form()) { // use this trick to get the submit button & disable it using plain javascript document.querySelector('#_form_50_submit').disabled = true; var _form_serialize_50 = function(form){if(!form||form.nodeName!=="FORM"){return }var i,j,q=[];for(i=0;i<form.elements.length;i++){if(form.elements[i].name===""){continue}switch(form.elements[i].nodeName){case"INPUT":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"tel":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].previousSibling.querySelector('div.iti__selected-dial-code').innerText)+encodeURIComponent(" ")+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"text":case"number":case"date":case"time":case"hidden":case"password":case"button":case"reset":case"submit":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"checkbox":case"radio":if(form.elements[i].checked){q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value))}break;case"file":break}break;case"TEXTAREA":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"SELECT":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"select-one":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break;case"select-multiple":for(j=0;j<form.elements[i].options.length;j++){if(form.elements[i].options[j].selected){q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].options[j].value))}}break}break;case"BUTTON":switch(form.elements[i].type){case"reset":case"submit":case"button":q.push(form.elements[i].name+"="+encodeURIComponent(form.elements[i].value));break}break}}return q.join("&")}; let serialized_50 = _form_serialize_50(document.getElementById('_form_50_')).replace(/%0A/g, '\\n'); var err = form_to_submit.querySelector('._form_error'); err ? err.parentNode.removeChild(err) : false; // We don't check the Google reCaptcha if projectId is null // Site properties: ProjectId is defined => we check the captcha before sending the form _check_reCaptcha_50(); } return false; }; addEvent(form_to_submit, 'submit', form_submit); })(); </script><!-- p class="text-xs">To learn how your data will be used, please see our <a href="/privacy.html" title="privacy-and-copyright">privacy notice</a>. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://policies.google.com/terms">Terms of Service</a> apply.</p --> <details class="text-xs"><summary style="color:inherit">How your data will be used</summary> <p class="pt-2">Please see <a href="/privacy.html" title="privacy-and-copyright">ISO privacy notice</a>. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://policies.google.com/terms">Terms of Service</a> apply.</p> </details></div></div><h2>Why do we need net zero?</h2> <p>The emissions released by human action are taking their toll on our planet and propelling us further towards an irreversible climate crisis. Transformative net-zero goals, especially when led by governments worldwide, can help limit temperature rise to 1.5&nbsp;&deg;C by 2100. This will require reaching net-zero CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 2050 along with deep reductions in emissions of other greenhouse gases.</p> <p>Achieving net-zero carbon emissions is not just an environmental imperative; it also presents significant opportunities for organizations of all sizes. These include cost savings from energy efficiency, improved brand reputation, and alignment with increasing consumer and investor demand for sustainable practices.</p> <h2>How businesses benefit from net zero</h2> <p>Many businesses today are embracing net-zero goals, striving for net-zero GHG emissions in their operations. This involves a combination of direct emission reductions, for example through energy efficiency and renewable energy use, and indirect reductions through carbon offset projects. By gaining a full understanding of the net-zero meaning and applying it to their operations, businesses can play a crucial role in combatting climate change&nbsp;&ndash; and it&rsquo;s also good for their bottom line.</p> <p>Net-zero buildings are one example of how businesses can move towards these goals. Leading enterprises are cutting emissions throughout the life cycle of the buildings they own and operate. This can be done in two ways: by retrofitting existing structures and ensuring new structures have a small carbon footprint. These buildings are designed to generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year, thus achieving net-zero energy consumption and, in many cases, net-zero carbon emissions.</p> <p>In the digital realm, the concept of net-zero Internet is also emerging. This refers to the concept of achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions in the operation and use of the Internet and digital technologies. It aims to mitigate the environmental impact associated with the rapidly growing digital infrastructure, data centres, telecommunications networks, and the overall energy consumption of the Internet.</p><h2>ISO Net Zero Guidelines</h2> <p>ISO launched guiding principles for achieving net zero at COP27 in Sharm-El Sheikh, Egypt, in November 2022. These principles provide a roadmap for organizations, including businesses, on their journey towards net-zero GHG emissions. The Net Zero Guidelines provide common definitions, high-level principles and actionable guidance towards achieving net zero by 2050. They also help entities make credible claims and develop consistent reports on emissions, reductions and removals.</p> <p>Key elements include:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Emission reductions:</strong> Reducing emissions at the source is the most effective way to achieve net zero. Examples of emissions reduction measures include improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources and low-carbon products, and innovating processes to reduce waste.</li> <li><strong>Carbon offsetting:</strong> For emissions that cannot be eliminated, carbon offsetting is a valid solution. This involves investing in carbon credits from projects that remove or reduce GHGs in the atmosphere.</li> <li><strong>Transparency and accountability:</strong> Regular monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions is crucial for transparency and accountability. This also helps businesses identify areas for improvement and track progress towards their net-zero goals.</li> <li><strong>Stakeholder engagement:</strong> Engaging stakeholders &ndash; employees, customers, investors and the wider community &ndash; is key to successful implementation of net-zero strategies. This fosters a culture of sustainability and drives collective action towards emission reductions.</li> <li><strong>Equity and justice:</strong> The Net Zero Guidelines align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Climate action takes into account the burdens of climate change and ensures that the costs and opportunities are equitably shared, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable.</li> </ol> <h2>Why ISO standards for climate change?</h2> <p>The Net Zero Guidelines help bring clarity and also point the other standards that support GHG quantification and verification. The Guidelines usefully complement the ISO&nbsp;14000 suite of environmental standards. Moreover, they serve as a reference for organizations to set net-zero goals by helping to align the array of efforts that are out there. The Net Zero Guidelines also enable a more consistent approach for the development of future initiatives and deliverables, including standards.</p><ul class="list-callout"><li><a href="/standard/68507.html" title="ISO 14090:2019 - Adaptation to climate change — Principles, requirements and guidelines" class="short-standard" id="short-standard_68507"><span class="entry-name">ISO 14090</span></a> <span class="entry-title">Adaptation to climate change</span></li><li><a href="/standard/66453.html" title="ISO 14064-1:2018 - Greenhouse gases — Part 1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals" class="short-standard" id="short-standard_66453"><span class="entry-name">ISO 14064-1</span></a> <span class="entry-title">Greenhouse gases</span></li><li><a href="/standard/43279.html" title="ISO 14068-1:2023 - Climate change management — Transition to net zero — Part 1: Carbon neutrality" class="short-standard" id="short-standard_43279"><span class="entry-name">ISO 14068-1</span></a> <span class="entry-title">Climate change management — Part 1: Carbon neutrality</span></li></ul><h2>For the climate cause</h2> <p>The case for moving to net zero is undeniable. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to safeguard our planet, protect human health, drive economic prosperity, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. We must collectively commit to this imperative, taking bold and decisive action to transition to a net-zero economy.</p> <p>By embracing ISO&rsquo;s Net Zero Guidelines, we not only fulfill our moral obligation but also set the stage for a world that is cleaner, healthier and more resilient. Let us seize this moment and unite in building a sustainable future for all.</p><div class="card mt-5" > <div class="card-body"> <h5>Get started for free!</h5> <p>As part of its climate commitment, ISO offers free download of the globally agreed Net Zero Guidelines.</p><!-- Comment for testing purposes (branch: master) --> <div class="btn-group"> <button class="btn btn-primary btn-md dropdown-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-haspopup="true" aria-expanded="false"> Access the Guidelines</button>&nbsp; <ul class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="btn-item"><a class="dropdown-item" href="https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:iwa:42:ed-1:v1:en" title="English" >English</a></li> <li class="btn-item"><a class="dropdown-item" href="https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/es/#iso:std:iso:iwa:42:ed-1:v1:es" title="Español" >Español</a></li> <li class="btn-item"><a class="dropdown-item" href="https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/fr/#iso:std:iso:iwa:42:ed-1:v1:fr" title="Français" >Français</a></li> <li class="btn-item"><a class="dropdown-item" href="https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/ru/#iso:std:iso:iwa:42:ed-1:v1:ru" title="Русский" >Русский</a></li> <li class="btn-item"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/netzero/japanese" title="日本語" >日本語</a></li> </ul> </div></div> </div></div> </div> </div> </section> </article><div class="nav-breadcrumb print-footer bg-black"> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-10 small"> <!-- BREADCRUMB --> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/home.html" title="Home page"><i class="bi-house" aria-hidden="true"></i></a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> Insights & news</li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> Insights</li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> <a href="/insights">All insights</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"> Embracing net zero: a crucial step towards a sustainable&nbsp;&#8230;</li></ol></div> <div class="col-sm-2 hidden-print text-end small mt-3 mt-sm-0"> <a role="button" class="dropdown-toggle text-white collapsed" data-bs-toggle="collapse" href="#collapseSitemap" target="_self" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapseSitemap">Sitemap</a> </div> </div> <div class="collapse border-top" id="collapseSitemap"> <div class="row"> <!-- SITEMAP --> <nav role="navigation" aria-label="Sitemap" class="sitemap-footer clearfix text-xs" id="nav-sitemap"><ul role='menubar' class='list-inline-6 clearfix nav-level1' ><li role='menuitem' class=' hasChildren firstInLevel' ><a class='nav-link ' title="Covering almost every product, process or service imaginable, ISO makes standards used everywhere." href='/standards.html'>Standards</a><ul role='menubar' class='list-unstyled nav-level2' ><li role='menuitem' class=' noChildren firstInLevel' ><a class='nav-link ' title="Whether you run a business, work for a company or government, or you are a consumer looking for goods and services that meet customer expectations: Find out what standards can do for you." href='/benefits-of-standards.html'>Benefits</a></li><!-- close of list item level 2 --><li role='menuitem' class=' noChildren' ><a class='nav-link ' title="Here you can discover some of the best-known and most widely-used standards, as well as those that address recently emerged challenges affecting us all. 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