In a global context, carbon neutrality occurs when human-generated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are offset by equivalent CO2 removals within a defined period. For businesses, achieving carbon neutrality means that all CO2 emissions attributable to them are balanced by equivalent reductions or removals. It’s important to note that these offsets do not need to be “like-for-like.” In recent practice, claims of carbon neutrality are considered to be less rigorous and are seen as transitional steps toward reaching science-based net zero targets.
See also the “Types of Climate Claims Companies Can Make.“
(Sources: Race to Zero, National Grid, Oxford Principles for Offsetting)
