Navigating Net Zero Handbook
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netzero@fdfscotland.org
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What is Net Zero?
Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gas emissions produced
by human (anthropogenic) activity and the emissions removed from the atmosphere. For
an organisation or sector to reach Net Zero, it must reduce its emissions as much as
possible through measures like improving energy eOiciency, transitioning to renewable
energy sources, and adopting sustainable practices. Any remaining hard-to-eliminate
emissions can then be counterbalanced by removing an equivalent amount of carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere, through the likes of carbon capture technologies or land-
use change.
The key aspects of Net Zero are:
1. Reducing Emissions
This involves implementing strategies to significantly cut emissions across all
activities and the entire value chain. For the food and drink industry, this includes
emissions from agriculture, manufacturing processes, packaging, transportation,
and other operations.
2. Residual Emissions
Even with ambitious reduction eOorts, some emissions are extremely diOicult to
eliminate entirely with current technologies. These residual emissions need to be
counterbalanced.
3. Removals
Any residual emissions must be oOset through certified greenhouse gas removal
methods like carbon capture and storage, reforestation projects, or other nature-
based solutions that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
4. Net Zero State
When emissions have been reduced as much as possible and any remaining
emissions are fully counterbalanced by removals, the ‘Net Zero state’ is achieved
where no additional emissions are added to the atmosphere.
Reaching Net Zero emissions is crucial for limiting global temperature rise and mitigating
the worst impacts of climate change. The food and drink sector has an important role to
play, which is why Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment
Programme is supporting businesses on this journey.
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