In recent years the term ‘carbon neutral’ has gained widespread recognition. The term has become more recognisable as companies attempt to demonstrate their environmental and carbon management credentials. There has also been an increase in the number of carbon neutral products available on the market. However, at present, organisations (and individuals and communities) make a variety of statements about carbon neutrality based on their own preferred definition of the term. The lack of a more uniform basis for making statements of carbon neutrality means that users of the term are more open to accusations of “greenwash” and claims of carbon neutrality could be genuinely misleading in themselves.
Consultation
DECC consulted on carbon neutrality in February 2009. The consultation closed on 21 May and the consultation and associated documents, including the summary of responses received, are available on the Consultation on the term ‘carbon neutral’: its definition and recommendations for good practice page.
Guidance
On 1 October 2009, DECC published a guidance document Guidance on carbon neutrality. The aim of this document was to provide anyone who wants to achieve carbon neutrality with the information and guidance they need to help them do so effectively. It sets out a three-stage process of calculating, reducing and offsetting emissions.
For further information on offsetting information see the Carbon offsetting pages.