How Can Businesses Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050
Greenhouse gas emissions are surging. Just last month, the World Meteorological Organization revealed that their levels rose to a new record in 2023—more than 10% in just 2 decades.
The EPA informs that the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions are the transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors.
The silver lining, however, is that businesses worldwide are stepping up to embrace the concept of net zero emissions. It’s a commitment to balance the greenhouse gases they emit with those they remove from the atmosphere. They plan to achieve it by 2050.
If you also want to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, here are a few ways you can hit that target.
#1 Transition to Renewable Energy Sources
Fossil fuels such as gas and oil are the largest contributors to global climate change. The United Nations reports that they account for more than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and approximately 90% of carbon dioxide emissions globally.
Switching to renewable energy sources can help your business hit net zero quickly. Solar, wind, and hydropower will lower your carbon emissions as well as reduce expensive energy bills.
Invest in solutions like on-site solar panels, green power purchase agreements (PPAs), or community solar programs. It will help you significantly reduce your carbon footprint while stabilizing energy costs.
Companies like GE Vernova, Siemens, Equinor, and Ørsted are helping the UK achieve its historic milestone of generating more low-carbon renewable energy than fossil fuels in a single year.
Renewable sources that power the UK are wind (29.3%), solar (5.3%), and hydro (1.9%), reveals a new report. According to the research, increased use of renewables, besides other factors, helped the country cut its consumption of fossil fuels in 2024.
#2 Offset What You Can’t Eliminate
Reducing emissions should be your priority. But some emissions are just unavoidable, no matter what you do. Offsetting can help tackle the residual.
For every ton of carbon you can’t eliminate, invest in projects that reduce or capture the same amount elsewhere.
The most popular offsetting scheme is reforestation. Trees are vital for carbon sequestration. They capture from the atmosphere and store it within their roots, trunks, soil, and leaves.
A study published in Nature states that tree planting is one of the most practical nature-based solutions for capturing carbon from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change.
Or you can invest in advanced technological solutions like solid-state carbon capture.
According to Atoco, this technology efficiently captures and eliminates carbon dioxide directly from industrial emissions—post-combustion carbon capture—and from the air—(direct air capture), utilizing nano-engineered reticular materials.
After capturing the CO2, the Industrial Decarbonization Network adds that it can be used to improve oil extraction efficiency or stored safely below.
Unlike traditional carbon capture methods, this technology is highly efficient, scalable, and energy-saving. That makes it a promising option for hard-to-abate industries.
#3 Make Your Supply Chain Greener
Your carbon footprint doesn’t stop at your office door. Supply chains often account for a huge chunk of emissions, so greening them is non-negotiable.
Evaluate your current setup. Are your suppliers prioritizing sustainability? If not, it might be time to look for partners who do.
Local sourcing is a great way to cut emissions. When you work with suppliers closer to home, you reduce the need for long-haul transportation—and bonus, you’re supporting your local economy.
Another area to tackle is transportation. Can you optimize delivery routes or switch to electric vehicles for last-mile delivery? Even something as simple as consolidating shipments to reduce trips can make a big difference.
#4 Invest in Energy Efficient Systems
The relationship between carbon emissions and energy efficiency is negative.
A study published in Taylor & Francis Online revealed that a 1% rise in energy efficiency can decrease carbon emissions by 0.73%. Hence, it would be wise to switch to energy-efficient systems.
Upgrade to LED lighting. It uses way less power and lasts much longer than traditional bulbs. You can even install motion sensor lighting. It only illuminates when someone is present. Thus, it contributes to energy savings.
Don’t overlook your HVAC systems. Research has found that they consume 40% to 60% of energy in buildings. Replacing them with smart thermostats or energy-efficient HVAC systems would be a smart move.
Pay attention to equipment and appliances as well. If your business uses old machines, they are likely working harder and burning more energy than newer, efficient models. Replace these with energy-saving alternatives. That will not only cut emissions, but also reduce operating costs.
Reaching net zero isn’t just good for the planet, but it’s beneficial for your business as well.
Consumers and investors are increasingly favoring companies that prioritize sustainability. Plus, cutting emissions often leads to cost savings in the long run.
So, take action now, and your business will achieve its goal of zero net emissions by 2025.
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