Decarbonisation is the process of reducing the carbon intensity of an economy. It is a key element in the transition to a low-carbon future, where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced to net zero or below.
Decarbonisation has become a global imperative for governments, companies and consumers. To create a sustainable future, immediate action must be taken to reduce emissions to avoid the devastating impacts of climate change.
To achieve decarbonisation, we need to remove carbon from our energy system and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas. These are known as ‘dirty’ energy sources because they produce high levels of carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) when burned for power generation or transportation purposes. These sources currently account for over 80% of global primary energy consumption.
The decarbonisation of the global economy is a historical shift that will change the way we live, work and consume. To be successful in this transition, it is important that we understand what it entails and how we can accelerate its progress.
How Does Decarbonisation Work?
Decarbonisation will require a fundamental change to our energy system – reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and other dirty sources of energy and moving towards more green renewable sources.
There are a number of ways companies can reduce their carbon emissions, including:
improving energy efficiency and reducing overall energy consumption;
using renewable sources of energy;
investing in natural carbon removal initiatives including forestation projects and other carbon sinks eg soil or biochar;
implementing technologies to reduce direct emissions from their operations, including carbon capture and storage;
waste reduction initiatives.
At Decarbonology, our consulting services can help you identify the most carbon-intensive areas of your business and develop strategies to reduce carbon emissions. Learn more
What is Needed for the Transition to a Low-Carbon Future?
If we want to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change, the world needs to reduce its carbon emissions quickly.
One of the first steps on the road out of fossil fuels is setting up low-carbon infrastructure: buildings and transportation systems designed for renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. This transition has been happening at an unprecedented rate in recent years, with investment in renewable technology continuing to rise as costs are falling faster than ever before. This is due in part to government efforts, but also from competition among private companies helping to spur innovation like battery storage, making renewables more reliable, efficient and cost-effective.
Governments and organisations globally must also accelerate their decarbonisation plans. Whether required to access markets and funding – or demanded by stakeholders and consumers – the pressure to make tangible steps to reduce emissions is now impossible to ignore.
Developing a Decarbonisation Plan for Your Company
A decarbonisation plan will help you make informed decisions on the best ways to reduce your emissions.
Decarbonology’s proven strategies and methodologies are designed to guide your organisation through the opportunities and challenges of your net zero transition. Our 5-step climate action pathway will help you accelerate your decarbonisation efforts, developing a tailored approach to suit your business:
Measuring your emissions: we calculate your direct and indirect emissions, including a full lifecycle analysis of your products and services to assess emissions across your supply chain.
Developing an emissions reduction strategy: we advise businesses on the best ways to reduce their emissions through greater energy efficiency, renewable energy or modifying industrial and business processes.
Carbon offsetting: in addition to reducing their emissions, we support companies by providing direct access to carbon offset projects including native tree plantations.
Reporting: our systems allows you to communicate your progress against international sustainability-related disclosure standards for each reporting cycle.
Persistence: repeat this process, monitor your progress and continue to optimise and improve your performance as you get closer to achieving your sustainability goals.
Contact us to get started on your decarbonisation journey today.