As corporate climate goals are more frequently appearing in the headlines, you may be wondering--what exactly is net zero? Something becomes net zero when, at the end of a period of time, the amount of the item generated is equal to its offsetting removal. Many things can be calculated to net zero--from the calories you consume every day to items on a balance sheet. As it relates to climate, “net zero” is the balance between emissions produced and the amount removed, or sequestered, from the atmosphere. Note the difference between zero and net zero here--net zero allows some room for the production of emissions, as long as they are offset.
Carbon dioxide is the most prominent greenhouse gas emitted in our world today and ultimately is the most significant contributor to climate change. Consequently, it is also the greenhouse gas that is most often addressed when referring to net zero. Carbon emissions can be drawn down from the atmosphere in a variety of ways, including through the planting of new trees, regenerative agriculture, and direct air capture. Plus, new techniques and technologies are being developed every day to enhance our ability to sequester emissions.
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) now offers a certification program through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) known as LEED Zero--to not only help owners of existing buildings reach their goal of achieving net zero emissions, but to also apply a net zero framework to a variety of sustainability efforts:
It is important to note that the LEED Zero program serves as a complement to LEED Certification, and that buildings can be recognized for any one metric without necessarily being recognized for the others. Once approved, a building’s LEED Zero recognition is valid for three years and then requires renewal.
As the urgency of the climate crisis becomes more acute, businesses will face mounting pressure to take responsibility for their environmental impact, and those that respond most effectively will be best positioned to succeed in the years to come. While the task of achieving net zero may seem daunting, the LEED Zero certification program offers a path for businesses to ensure they are minimizing their climate impact in a strategic and focused manner. Whether it is carbon emissions, water usage, waste, or other sustainability metrics, Emerald Built Environments is here to help your company identify the pathway most aligned with your goals and guide you through the process of LEED Zero certification.