Managing climate targets: What net zero and climate neutrality mean for companies
Companies are driving the EU’s climate goals forward. Through effective carbon management, they reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, promote the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere, and offset remaining emissions through certified projects.
The EU’s goal is clear: Europe should be climate-neutral by 2050. This means that greenhouse gas emissions and removals from the atmosphere must be in balance. To achieve this, we need technological innovations and a transformation in production.
Many companies are already taking action and advertise using terms such as “climate neutrality,” “CO₂ neutrality,” or “net zero.” The problem is that, until now, there have been no uniform rules, and these terms are used differently. This leads to confusion and makes statements difficult to compare, which in some cases raises suspicions of greenwashing.
Clarity through new rules: Companies can communicate their climate goals clearly and credibly by observing the following:
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Comply with the legal requirements of the EU directive against greenwashing (ECGT).
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Use international standards to substantiate climate claims methodologically.
For transparent and responsible communication, companies should answer at least these three questions:
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What is the scope of their climate targets?
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What reduction pathway are they following?
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According to which standards are they acting?
Our downloadable article for you: Learn how the frameworks differ, which steps are needed for genuine decarbonisation, and how to communicate climate goals responsibly.