Climate & Environment
Zero Carbon
Definition
Zero carbon describes performance in which no carbon emissions are generated — for example, a building or vehicle running entirely on renewable energy. It is a gross concept: emissions are eliminated rather than balanced, in contrast to net zero, which allows residual emissions to be offset or neutralised.
References
UKGBCNet zero carbon buildings framework — claim boundaries
Supports definition and framing.
Overview
How it is used
Policymakers write zero carbon standards for buildings and vehicles; companies make zero carbon product and site claims subject to green claims scrutiny; certification schemes define auditable criteria.
Why it matters
Zero carbon represents the end-state of decarbonisation; precise use of the term guards against overstated climate claims built on offsets.