Zero-emission – the key to competitive advantage
In the face of advancing climate change and tighter environmental regulations in the European Union, companies face the challenge of aligning their operations with sustainability requirements.
Zero-carbon, defined as a state of equilibrium between greenhouse gas emissions and their neutralization through reduction and absorption, has ceased to be merely an ambitious goal - it has become a condition for survival and development in the modern economy.
What is zero-emission?
Under zero-emission is a comprehensive approach:
Step 1: minimize emissions at every stage of operations
Step 2: invest in solutions to neutralize unavoidable emissions
Linking zero-carbon with carbon footprint by scope
Striving for zero-carbon is closely linked to reducing the carbon footprint in all three emission bands defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Scope 1 covers direct emissions over which companies have the most control, such as emissions from technological processes or vehicle fleets.
Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions related to purchased energy, where a key element is the transition to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements.
Scope 3, which is the most challenging, addresses the entire value chain, including suppliers, logistics and product usage. A comprehensive approach to reducing carbon footprints in these scopes not only allows companies to move closer to climate neutrality, but also responds to the growing demands of stakeholders and customers, who increasingly expect transparency in emissions reporting.
How to achieve zero-emission in each scope?
Scope 1: Reduction of direct emissions
Upgrading equipment - replacing boilers or industrial machinery with modern, low-carbon technologies.
Decarbonizing the vehicle fleet - investing in electric or hydrogen-powered cars and optimizing logistics routes.
Switching to renewable energy sources - using locally generated energy, such as photovoltaic panels, making it possible to become independent of emissions generated by burning fossil fuels.
Scope 2: Reduce emissions associated with purchased energy
Purchasing green energy - entering into renewable energy supply agreements (PPA - Power Purchase Agreement) or buying guarantees of origin for RES energy.
Increase energy efficiency - implement energy management systems (ISO 50001) to monitor and optimize energy consumption.
Investment in energy storage technologies - the installation of batteries makes it possible to use renewable energy sources also at times of lower energy availability.
Scope 3: Neutralization of emissions in the value chain
Supplier engagement - selecting partners with sustainable practices and requiring them to report their carbon footprint.
Closed-loop product design - creating products that are easy to recycle, which reduces emissions associated with the extraction of raw materials.
Logistics optimization - reducing emissions through efficient transportation planning and use of low-emission modes of transportation.
Comprehensive waste management - reducing waste during production and investing in waste treatment technologies.
Zero carbon as the future of business
Data from organizations that monitor climate action, such as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), indicate that companies are increasingly committed to zero-carbon strategies. More and more companies are taking action to reduce emissions, setting goals in line with science and global standards. Statistics show that both multinational corporations and smaller organizations are implementing climate strategies, aligning with regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations. Industries such as energy and heavy industry, known for their high emissions, are investing heavily in decarbonization, while service sectors are focusing on optimizing indirect emissions in supply chains. These moves underscore that the pursuit of climate neutrality is becoming an increasingly common element of business strategies, reflecting growing climate awareness and the need to address new market challenges.