What is Net Zero and Why is it Important?

As Pure Roasters’ Net Zero Coordinator, I would like offer a brief introduction to the concept of Net Zero and explain why it is important for businesses of all sizes.

In an effort to address the growing threat of climate change, the UK government has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, with the Scottish government having set a more ambitious target of 2045. Though the term is frequently used in discussions on climate and environment, it is often poorly defined and misunderstood.  

Reaching Net Zero theoretically means that an organisation or country no longer contributes to climate change. This is achieved when the volume of greenhouse gas emissions generated is significantly reduced to be equal to or fewer than those that are absorbed. To be officially certified as a Net Zero, an organisation must have reduced its emissions by at least 90% through changes to business practices, such as switching to a renewable energy supplier and cutting out air travel. If no further reductions can be made, the remaining percentage can be offset by purchasing carbon credits from ecologically responsible carbon capture projects, such as peatland restoration.

What is the Difference Between Net Zero and Carbon Neutral?

Net Zero and Carbon Neutral are often assumed to be interchangeable terms, though they represent different levels of responsibility in the effort to mitigate climate change. Many brands advertise themselves as ‘Carbon Neutral’, though this label is not as environmentally responsible as it might appear at first glance.

Carbon Neutral claims are not governed by a universal standard and allow organisations to rely heavily upon purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions generated in their operations rather than addressing the issue at its source. On the other hand, Net Zero certifications are more strictly regulated, requiring actions that align with science-based targets designed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This helps to hold organisations accountable for their inaction and limits their ability to greenwash by taking financial shortcuts.

Additionally, unlike Carbon Neutral, Net Zero takes into account the impact of all greenhouse gases, which is important as the global warming potentials of methane, nitrous oxide, and F-gases are much higher than that of carbon dioxide.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprints are a universal point of reference for measuring climate impact. They are represented by a figure that encapsulates the total volume of emissions released into the atmosphere as a result of a business or individual person’s activities (e.g. air travel, manufacturing, or transportation). Carbon footprints are measured in kilogrammes or tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e), which also takes into account the more significant impact of other greenhouse gases such as methane.

Carbon footprints include not only the emissions generated as a direct result of business operations, but also those produced throughout the supply chain. In order help us to better understand and manage these emissions, they are grouped into three categories, referred to as scopes:

·  Scope 1: Emissions generated through use of company vehicles and burning fuel onsite.

·  Scope 2: Emissions generated through electricity usage.

· Scope 3: Includes all emissions generated by suppliers and customers (upstream and downstream). On average, scope 3 emissions account for 90% of a business’ overall emissions.

Though much of the information in this article relates specifically to businesses and other organisations, we each have our own carbon footprints that are dependent on our individual lifestyle choices. If you are curious about your personal carbon footprint, online tools can provide a rough estimate and help you to identify actions you can take to reduce your impact. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) have a free and easy to use calculator here: https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/ 

Why is Net Zero Important for the Coffee Industry?

While it is crucial that all companies work to reduce their emissions and waste as much as possible, regardless of the products and services they provide, it is particularly important for those in the coffee industry to do so. Due to its specific cultivation requirements and the distance it must travel before arriving in your cup, coffee has one of the largest carbon footprints of all plant-based food and drink products. According to CarbonCloud, the current emissions factor of green coffee beans is 4.53kgCO₂e per kilogram, which means that even prior to roasting, packaging, and shipping, coffee has a substantial environmental cost.

This year at Pure Roasters, we have taken steps better understand our impact on the climate and environment. By measuring Scope 1 & 2 emissions, and elements of Scope 3, we have established a baseline, identified key areas for improvement, and a set of long and short-term goals that will ultimately reduce our emissions and waste to a minimum. We have begun to implement actions such as switching to home-compostable packaging and repurposing coffee chaff as briquettes for fireplaces, in addition to setting a timeline for more significant changes. These are more ambitious and include sustainable investments such as upgrading our company van to an electric or hybrid vehicle and replacing our roaster with a more energy efficient model. We are determined to reach Net Zero in the coming years by continuing to make meaningful changes that help to reduce our impact on the environment and climate.