Carbon Neutral is a state of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. This can be achieved by balancing emissions of carbon dioxide with its removal or by eliminating emissions altogether. The term is used in the context of carbon dioxide-releasing processes associated with transportation, energy production, agriculture, and industry.
The term “net zero” is increasingly used to describe a broader and more comprehensive commitment to decarbonization and climate action, moving beyond carbon neutrality by including more activities under the scope of indirect emissions, and often including a science-based target on emissions reduction, as opposed to relying solely on offsetting.
Reducing carbon emissions can be done by moving towards energy sources and industry processes that produce less greenhouse gases, thereby transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Shifting towards the use of renewable energy such as wind, geothermal, and solar power, as well as nuclear power reduces greenhouse gas emissions. There are some intermediate steps that can also be taken that do not eliminate greenhouse gas emissions but can reduce them, e.g., burning natural gas instead of coal.
Although both renewable and non-renewable energy production produce carbon emissions in some form, renewable sources produce negligible to almost zero carbon emissions. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy would also mean making changes to current industrial and agricultural processes to reduce carbon emissions. American Enerpower is committed to helping companies achieve a carbon neutral position where required or desired.