Net Zero is where greenhouse gases that are emitted are balanced by the greenhouse gases that are removed from the atmosphere. Essentially this means a 'net zero' impact on the climate, with no negative impact (but no 'net positive' impact either).
The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is why Net Zero is otherwise known as 'carbon neutral'. This is also where the term 'carbon negative' comes from, which is when more carbon is removed from the atmosphere than is put in.
The UK government has committed to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, which would mean the UK's impact on climate change would be zero. However, this requires businesses in the UK to move towards reducing their emissions, like changing to using renewable energy. Often this involves considerable upfront cost and a change in practices, so some businesses have been slow to adopt more sustainable methods.
Removing carbon from the atmosphere can be achieved by planting trees (which use CO2 during photosynthesis) and improving soils (which sequester carbon). Combined with efforts to reduce (and eventually completely stop) carbon emissions, this could result in the UK being the first major economy to reach Net Zero.
A good way to start becoming more environmentally friendly is to actively work to reduce carbon emissions — which is where HeatingSave comes in. Our Building Energy Management System can reduce your energy use by optimizing heating schedules and only turning the heating, lighting and cooling on when it's needed. HeatingSave can also monitor your solar energy use, allowing you to track how sustainable your energy is.
Find out more about how HeatingSave can monitor your energy use.