CO₂-neutral

CO₂-neutral describes the state in which an organization, product, or activity causes no net CO₂ emissions. This is achieved by minimizing emitted emissions through reduction measures and offsetting unavoidable emissions through compensation projects.

CO₂ neutrality is a concept that aims to reduce the climate impact of Greenhouse gas emissions to reduce (in particular carbon dioxide, CO₂) to zero. This is achieved in two steps:

1. Reducing emissions: Companies are implementing measures to reduce their direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3 according to GHG protocol) to lower. This includes switching to renewable energy, optimising processes or introducing low-emission technologies.
2. Compensation for unavoidable emissions: Residual emissions are offset by purchasing certified CO₂ certificates. These finance climate protection projects such as reforestation, renewable energy or methane reduction. It is important that the projects are certified according to internationally recognized standards such as the Gold Standard or the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

CO₂ neutrality is often equated with terms such as “climate-neutral” or “net zero,” although these may have different nuances. Climate neutrality includes all greenhouse gases (not just CO₂), and net zero goes beyond compensation and requires a complete reduction of all emissions.

For manufacturing companies, CO₂ neutrality is an important strategic approach to meet legal requirements, market requirements and social expectations. Regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are increasingly demanding detailed reports on CO₂ emissions and strategies to reduce them.

Tanso helps companies shape the path to CO₂ neutrality. With precise tools for corporate carbon footprint (CCF) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), the software provides a data-based basis for identifying and reducing emission sources.