Carbon negative means that, over a stated period and within a defined boundary, more greenhouse gases are removed from the atmosphere than are emitted. A claim only makes sense when you know what it covers, how the emissions and removals were measured, and how long the carbon is expected to stay stored.
Carbon negative, net zero and avoided emissions
- Carbon negative. Verified removals exceed the emissions counted within the stated boundary.
- Net zero. Emissions have been cut and the remaining emissions are balanced by removals under the relevant accounting framework.
- Avoided emissions. An activity prevents emissions compared with a stated alternative. This is a different measurement from taking carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere and storing it.
What to ask when you see a claim
- What is being measured: a product, a site, a company or a project?
- Which emissions are included, and for what period?
- How were the removals measured and verified, and how durable is the storage?
- Which reductions were made before removals were counted?
For background on how greenhouse gas removal fits alongside emissions reduction, read the UK government’s explanation of greenhouse gas removals.
Renewable electricity evidence serves a separate purpose
Energy attribute certificates document attributes of electricity generation. They don’t represent carbon removed from the atmosphere. If your business needs help sourcing or documenting renewable electricity certificates, see Energy Marketing and Trading’s certificate services.
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