{"id":28690,"date":"2022-07-25T09:47:59","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T07:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dfge.de\/?page_id=28690"},"modified":"2026-03-10T15:44:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:44:31","slug":"net-zero","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/net-zero\/","title":{"rendered":"Net-Zero"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1643628088589{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInLeft&#8221; width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-77969e2565c024c7\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-77969e2565c024c7 uvc-3640  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-77969e2565c024c7 h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#00adea;margin-bottom:20px;\">Net-Zero<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-77969e2565c024c7 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:34px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:44px;\"}'  style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#222222;margin-bottom:30px;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<p>Together against Climate Change<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]Despite the global climate targets set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise. According to the sixth <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg1\/downloads\/report\/IPCC_AR6_WGI_SPM_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IPCC report<\/a>, the atmosphere can only absorb 400 gigatons of CO\u2082 from 2020 onwards in order to limit global warming to 1.5 \u00b0C. With current emissions of 42.2 Gt CO\u2082 per year, this budget would be used up before 2030. The consequences, such as heat waves, extreme weather, and rising sea levels, are already being felt. To avoid the worst effects, global emissions must be halved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pik-potsdam.de\/en\/institute\/departments\/climate-economics-and-policy\/carbon-clock\/remaining-carbon-budget\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">by 2030<\/a> and climate neutrality achieved by 2050. Net-Zero supports this goal by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reducing emissions by 90% by 2050 (Scope 1\u20133)<\/li>\n<li>Offsetting the remaining maximum 10% of residual emissions through permanent neutralization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With Science-Based Targets (<a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/science-based-targets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SBTs<\/a>), companies set scientifically based climate targets in line with the 1.5 \u00b0C pathway. The Science Based Targets initiative (<a href=\"https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SBTi<\/a>) net-zero standard shows the way to becoming a net-zero company by 2050 at the latest and ensures that measures are based on current climate research.<\/p>\n<p>DFGE supports companies from emissions analysis to net-zero strategy: from defining relevant data and emission sources to tailored reduction targets to implementation and SBTi validation. As the first official Science Based Targets partner of the <a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/cdp-climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CDP<\/a> in the DACH region, DFGE supports DAX, MDAX, and SME companies in introducing science-based climate targets.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c0256a\" data-id=\"69e2565c0256a\" data-height=\"20\" data-height-mobile=\"20\" data-height-tab=\"20\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInRight&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-info&#8221; color=&#8221;black&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;]<div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li>Whitepaper: <a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/download-net-zero-whitepaper\/\">Net-Zero<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Blogpost: <a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/sbti-net-zero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SBTi &amp; Net-Zero<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Blogpost: <a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/sbti-net-zero-standard-2-0-aenderungen-handlungsbedarf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SBTi Net-Zero Standard 2.0<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Case Study: <a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/project\/harro-hoefliger-sbt-netzero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Harro H\u00f6fliger<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/science-based-targets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SBTs with DFGE<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sciencebasedtargets.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Science-Based Targets Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c02641\" data-id=\"69e2565c02641\" data-height=\"40\" data-height-mobile=\"40\" data-height-tab=\"40\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1575403409335{padding-top: 70px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.04) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1643128325733{margin-bottom: 45px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;border-right-color: #00adea !important;border-right-style: solid !important;}&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-6&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-576169e2565c0268d\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-576169e2565c0268d uvc-1904 \" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-576169e2565c0268d h2'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:50px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:60px;\"}' ><h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:10px;\">Net-Zero Services<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-576169e2565c0268d .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\">The DFGE offer on SBTi Net-Zero<\/div><\/div><div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c026f4\" data-id=\"69e2565c026f4\" data-height=\"40\" data-height-mobile=\"40\" data-height-tab=\"40\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; gap=&#8221;30&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1575401232692{padding-right: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1643118033631{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 10% !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"aio-icon-component    style_1\"><div id=\"Info-box-wrap-7513\" class=\"aio-icon-box default-icon\" style=\"\"  ><div class=\"aio-icon-default\"><div class=\"ult-just-icon-wrapper  \"><div class=\"align-icon\" style=\"text-align:center;\">\n<div class=\"aio-icon circle \" data-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-animation-delay=\"03\" style=\"color:#00adea;background:#e8e8e8;font-size:32px;display:inline-block;\">\n\t<i class=\"fas fa-clipboard-check\"><\/i>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"aio-icon-header\" ><h4 class=\"aio-icon-title ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='#Info-box-wrap-7513 .aio-icon-title'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Enterprise<\/h4><\/div> <!-- header --><\/div> <!-- aio-icon-box --><\/div> <!-- aio-icon-component --><div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li>Validation of the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)<\/li>\n<li>Verification of compliance with the net-zero criteria of the SBTi (near-term target, long-term strategy)<\/li>\n<li>Forecasting of emission developments based on appropriate growth metrics<\/li>\n<li>Support in the selection of appropriate target corridors<\/li>\n<li>Final definition and calculation of a valid savings target<\/li>\n<li>Elaboration of the Long-Term Net-Zero scenarios<\/li>\n<li>Economic evaluation of the neutralization measures for the remaining emissions (Residual Emissions)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[vc_zigzag css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1747832117845{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"aio-icon-component    style_1\"><div id=\"Info-box-wrap-9307\" class=\"aio-icon-box default-icon\" style=\"\"  ><div class=\"aio-icon-default\"><div class=\"ult-just-icon-wrapper  \"><div class=\"align-icon\" style=\"text-align:center;\">\n<div class=\"aio-icon circle \" data-animation=\"fadeInUp\" data-animation-delay=\"03\" style=\"color:#00adea;background:#e8e8e8;font-size:32px;display:inline-block;\">\n\t<i class=\"fas fa-gem\"><\/i>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"aio-icon-header\" ><h4 class=\"aio-icon-title ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='#Info-box-wrap-9307 .aio-icon-title'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:bold;\">NEW: Rent an Expert<\/h4><\/div> <!-- header --><div class=\"aio-icon-description ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='#Info-box-wrap-9307 .aio-icon-description'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"\">DFGE as your sparring partner: Would you like to ask questions, request elaborations &amp; workshops or simply obtain feedback? Then book our experts on an hourly basis.<\/div> <!-- description --><\/div> <!-- aio-icon-box --><\/div> <!-- aio-icon-component --><style type=\"text\/css\" data-type=\"the7_shortcodes-inline-css\">#default-btn-0e324d0703de7796a636075c17e32a02.ico-right-side > i {\n  margin-right: 0px;\n  margin-left: 8px;\n}\n#default-btn-0e324d0703de7796a636075c17e32a02 > i {\n  margin-right: 8px;\n}<\/style><a href=\"mailto:sales@dfge.de\" class=\"default-btn-shortcode dt-btn dt-btn-m link-hover-off btn-inline-left \" target=\"_blank\" id=\"default-btn-0e324d0703de7796a636075c17e32a02\" rel=\"noopener\"><i class=\"far fa-calendar-check\"><\/i><span>Request now!<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c02b52\" data-id=\"69e2565c02b52\" data-height=\"40\" data-height-mobile=\"40\" data-height-tab=\"40\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div><div id=\"ultimate-heading-959869e2565c02baf\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-959869e2565c02baf uvc-9597  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-959869e2565c02baf h3'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h3 style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#00adea;margin-bottom:20px;\">The Path to Net Zero<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-959869e2565c02baf .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:34px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:44px;\"}'  style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#222222;margin-bottom:30px;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<p>The four Key Elements of the Net-Zero Standard<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The path to net-zero follows a clear, scientifically based process. The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has defined four key building blocks that guide companies on the path to net-zero:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1643619024494{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInUp&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-calculator&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#00adea&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-941069e2565c02c43\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-941069e2565c02c43 uvc-4726  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-941069e2565c02c43 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\"><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Near-Term SBTs<\/h4>\n<p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c02c96\" data-id=\"69e2565c02c96\" data-height=\"50\" data-height-mobile=\"50\" data-height-tab=\"50\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5\u201310-year targets in line with the 1.5\u00b0C pathway<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li>Purpose: Immediate emission reduction as a milestone on the path to net zero.<\/li>\n<li>Reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by at least 4.2% per year (1.5\u00b0C pathway).<\/li>\n<li>Scope 3 emissions must also be addressed (at least \u201cwell below 2\u00b0C\u201d).<\/li>\n<li>Iterative process: Targets must be reviewed every 5 years and tightened if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> Near-term goals are not optional\u2014they form the basis for long-term success and ensure rapid, measurable progress.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInUp&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-hourglass-half&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#00adea&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-375169e2565c02d61\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-375169e2565c02d61 uvc-8759  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-375169e2565c02d61 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\"><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Long-Term SBTs<\/h4>\n<p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c02dab\" data-id=\"69e2565c02dab\" data-height=\"50\" data-height-mobile=\"50\" data-height-tab=\"50\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Net-Zero by 2050 at the latest \u2013 with a clear roadmap to the 1.5\u00b0C pathway<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li>Purpose: Long-term focus on complete decarbonization.<\/li>\n<li>90% reduction in Scope 1\u20133 emissions by 2050 at the latest.<\/li>\n<li>Collaboration with customers and suppliers for Scope 3 reductions, possibly even realignment of the product portfolio, use of future technologies such as circular economy or low-carbon technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> Long-term goals secure the future viability of your company\u2014and show stakeholders that you take climate protection seriously.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInUp&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-project-diagram&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#00adea&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-430069e2565c02e50\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-430069e2565c02e50 uvc-8002  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-430069e2565c02e50 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\"><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\">Reduction\/Neutralization outside the Value Chain<\/h4>\n<p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c02e9a\" data-id=\"69e2565c02e9a\" data-height=\"25\" data-height-mobile=\"25\" data-height-tab=\"25\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional climate protection measures \u2013 voluntary, but recommended<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li>Purpose: Beyond one&#8217;s own value chain<\/li>\n<li>Various options such as REDD+ projects (forest protection), investments in direct air capture (DAC) or geological storage, promotion of renewable energies in developing countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> The SBTi recommends them to support global climate goals and expand and promote climate-friendly technologies. These measures do not replace your own reductions\u2014they are additional.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInUp&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fab fa-soundcloud&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#00adea&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-330969e2565c02f38\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-330969e2565c02f38 uvc-4869  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-330969e2565c02f38 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;\"><\/p>\n<h4>Neutralization of Residual Emissions<\/h4>\n<p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c02f7b\" data-id=\"69e2565c02f7b\" data-height=\"25\" data-height-mobile=\"25\" data-height-tab=\"25\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offsetting unavoidable emissions \u2013 only after maximum reduction<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"standard-arrow list-divider bullet-top\"><ul>\n<li>Purpose: To neutralize the last 10% of emissions that cannot be further reduced.<\/li>\n<li>This involves the permanent removal of CO\u2082 from the atmosphere, e.g. through:<\/li>\n<li>Carbon capture and storage (CCS) or reforestation or moorland restoration (biogenic methods).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> Neutralization only comes into play after maximum reduction (at least 90%) has been achieved\u2014this guarantees credibility.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator]<div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c03006\" data-id=\"69e2565c03006\" data-height=\"20\" data-height-mobile=\"20\" data-height-tab=\"20\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInUp&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-486669e2565c03052\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-486669e2565c03052 uvc-7511  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"left\" style=\"text-align:left\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-486669e2565c03052 .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:34px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:44px;\"}'  style=\"font-weight:bold;color:#222222;margin-bottom:30px;\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p>FAQ | Net-Zero, Climate Neutrality, etc. \u2013 what does it mean?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/div><\/div>[vc_accordion active_tab=&#8221;false&#8221; collapsible=&#8221;yes&#8221; style=&#8221;2&#8243;][vc_accordion_tab title=&#8221;1. What is the difference between Net-Zero, Climate Neutrality, and CO\u2082 Neutrality?&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]The terms sound similar, but there are important differences\u2014especially for companies that want to take their climate strategy seriously. We present them here in simplified form. Further information is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/sr15\/chapter\/glossary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IPCC website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Net-Zero<\/strong> (Net Zero emissions) is the most stringent and scientifically sound approach. Here, all greenhouse gas emissions (according to the Kyoto Protocol) are offset by removal and permanent storage from the atmosphere. The SBTi Net-Zero Standard requires companies to reduce at least 90% of their emissions before the remaining 10% can be neutralized through offsetting. Only then can a company call itself Net-Zero. This approach is long-term and is backed up by independent validation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Climate Neutrality<\/strong> describes a state in which human activities have no net effect on the climate system \u2013 in other words, there is a balance between emissions released and emissions captured. The key difference to Net-Zero is that there is no uniform standard defining how much must be reduced and how much must be offset. While Net-Zero sets clear rules (e.g., the SBTi&#8217;s 90\/10 rule), Climate Neutrality often remains vague \u2013 which increases the risk of greenwashing if companies do not communicate their goals transparently.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CO\u2082 Neutrality<\/strong> (or Carbon Neutrality) refers only to carbon dioxide (CO\u2082) \u2013 not to other greenhouse gases such as methane or nitrous oxide. Although the name suggests otherwise, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iso.org\/standard\/43279.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ISO 14068 standard<\/a> for CO\u2082 Neutrality actually covers all greenhouse gases (in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol). For this reason, the German translation sometimes refers to greenhouse gas neutrality.<\/p>\n<p>Further information can be found on our <a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/carbon-neutrality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Website<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=&#8221;2. What does \u201cclimate positive\u201d mean\u2014and is it really better than Net-Zero?&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A company or activity is considered climate positive if it removes more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than it produces itself. Actually, the term \u201cclimate negative\u201d would be more accurate, as the balance would then be negative. However, because \u201cnegative\u201d is often associated with something bad, the more positive term has become established. Unlike net-zero, there are no official definitions or validation standards for \u201cclimate positive.\u201d While the SBTi sets clear rules for Net-Zero (e.g., 90% reduction before compensation), any company can call itself climate positive. Therefore, the recommendation for a credible climate strategy is to first set reduction targets according to the SBTi criteria before considering climate positivity.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=&#8221;3. Why are there so many different Net-Zero claims?&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]For a long time, there was a lack of clear guidelines \u2013 and that led to confusion. Until 2021, there were no uniform standards for Net-Zero. Many companies used the terms Net-Zero, climate-neutral, or CO\u2082-neutral in their communications without there being any binding criteria. Often, only Scope 1 and 2 were taken into account, while the significantly larger Scope 3 emissions were ignored. This led to a flood of different claims.<\/p>\n<p>It was not until 2021 that the SBTi brought clarity with its Net-Zero standard: now there are binding rules on when a company can call itself Net-Zero. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iso.org\/standard\/43279.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ISO 14068<\/a> (2023) standard for CO\u2082 Neutrality also helped to create more transparency. Despite the standards, some companies continue to use their own definitions or unclear wording. Validated SBTi targets are therefore a recognized seal of quality.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=&#8221;4. Can a company achieve Net-Zero without considering Scope 3?&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, this is not possible \u2013 and for good reason: Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from supply chains, products, and services) account for 70\u201390% of the total carbon footprint in most industries. There is a grace period for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): they do not have to include their Scope 3 emissions in their near-term targets immediately. However, they are also required to take Scope 3 into account for the Net-Zero targets by 2050 at the latest.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][\/vc_accordion]<div class=\"ult-spacer spacer-69e2565c03091\" data-id=\"69e2565c03091\" data-height=\"60\" data-height-mobile=\"60\" data-height-tab=\"60\" data-height-tab-portrait=\"\" data-height-mobile-landscape=\"\" style=\"clear:both;display:block;\"><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;fadeInUp&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1643118849013{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 60px !important;background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.04) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}&#8221;][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-12&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1575378589868{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-559469e2565c030d0\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-559469e2565c030d0 uvc-6206  uvc-heading-default-font-sizes\" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-559469e2565c030d0 h2'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"\",\"line-height\":\"\"}' ><h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0px;\">Questions regarding Net-Zero?<\/h2><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-12&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1575378595138{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<div id=\"ultimate-heading-881869e2565c0313c\" class=\"uvc-heading ult-adjust-bottom-margin ultimate-heading-881869e2565c0313c uvc-9474 \" data-hspacer=\"no_spacer\"  data-halign=\"center\" style=\"text-align:center\"><div class=\"uvc-heading-spacer no_spacer\" style=\"top\"><\/div><div class=\"uvc-main-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-881869e2565c0313c h2'  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:24px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:34px;\"}' ><h2 style=\"font-weight:bold;\">+49 8192 99 7 33-20<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"uvc-sub-heading ult-responsive\"  data-ultimate-target='.uvc-heading.ultimate-heading-881869e2565c0313c .uvc-sub-heading '  data-responsive-json-new='{\"font-size\":\"desktop:20px;\",\"line-height\":\"desktop:30px;\"}'  style=\"font-weight:normal;color:#148ba9;\">info@dfge.de<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1575378844390{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<style type=\"text\/css\" data-type=\"the7_shortcodes-inline-css\">#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b {\n  border-radius: 100px;\n  font-size: 16px;\n  line-height: 18px;\n}\n.btn-shadow#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b {\n  box-shadow: 0 1px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);\n  transition: box-shadow 0.2s ease-out, opacity 0.45s;\n}\n.btn-shadow#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b:hover {\n  box-shadow: 0 5px 11px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.18), 0 4px 15px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.btn-flat#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b {\n  box-shadow: none;\n}\n.btn-flat#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b:hover {\n  box-shadow: none;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b.ico-right-side > i {\n  margin-right: 0px;\n  margin-left: 8px;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b > i {\n  margin-right: 8px;\n  font-size: 16px;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b:not(:hover) {\n  border-width: 0px;\n  color: #ffffff;\n  padding: 19px 13px 19px 13px;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b:not(:hover) * {\n  color: #ffffff;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b:hover {\n  border-width: 0px;\n  color: #ffffff;\n  padding: 19px 13px 19px 13px;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b:hover * {\n  color: #ffffff;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b.ico-right-side > i {\n  margin-right: 0px;\n  margin-left: 8px;\n}\n#default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b > i {\n  margin-right: 8px;\n}<\/style><div class=\"btn-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dfge.de\/en\/contact\/\" class=\"default-btn-shortcode dt-btn link-hover-off ico-right-side btn-flat \" target=\"_blank\" id=\"default-btn-87fefcdcf88c5b20de5f4a5391dfe22b\" style=\"width:240px;\" rel=\"noopener\"><span>Contact form<\/span><i class=\"icomoon-the7-font-the7-mail-011\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1643628088589{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column css_animation=&#8221;fadeInLeft&#8221; width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]Despite the global climate targets set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise. According to the sixth IPCC report, the atmosphere can only absorb 400 gigatons of CO\u2082 from 2020 onwards in order to limit global warming to 1.5 \u00b0C. With&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-28690","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Net-Zero - DFGE - Institute for Energy, Ecology and Economy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The goal of Net-Zero strategies is to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as is produced. 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