In December of 2020, B Lab celebrated the one-year anniversary of their Net Zero 2030 campaign. The campaign kicked off at COP25, the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference held in Madrid, Spain, where we at Leap (digitally) joined more than 500 companies in publicly committing to accelerate the reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions to reach a 1.5 degree trajectory leading to net zero by the year 2030. This target is 20 years ahead of the 2050 targets set by the Paris Agreement.
Leap has been carbon neutral since 2004 through minimisation and offset. We go further than this as a climate positive design agency, but we will always be in a cycle of ever improvement. To be truly NetZero we will need our entire supply chain to join us, and that is our plan over the next couple of years. Our goal is to be truly NetZero by 2024, and to then go beyond to be net climate positive.
What Is Net Zero?
Net zero emissions will be reached when the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by an entity (be that an individual, a business, an organisation or a country) is equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere. There are two ways to do this, which run concurrently: reducing existing emissions and actively removing greenhouse gases. If we were able to eradicate all emissions completely, gross zero emissions would be achieved. But that is an unrealistic target for most, so net zero is used in recognition that some emissions are inevitable but must be accounted for and offset. Offsetting residual emissions will predominantly be achieved through natural carbon sinks (trees, for example).
Why We Need To Get To Net Zero Sooner, And How
Science shows that in order to reduce the worst impacts for our planet and people – especially our most vulnerable communities – we cannot surpass the 1.5°C increase in average global temperature. At the current trajectory, it is estimated we will reach this limit as early as 2030. In 2021, we’re doing our part as a member of the B Corp Climate Collective and have committed to net zero by 2030. In doing so, we have all agreed to:
- Develop a plan to achieve net zero by 2030, including calculating baseline Scope 1-3 emissions, reducing emissions wherever possible and using verified offsets (emphasising carbon removal projects) to balance emissions that cannot be eliminated.
- Utilise the Climate Action module of the SDG Action Manager and other globally-recognised climate action tools to accelerate their journey to net zero.
- Mobilise their board and team to declare a climate emergency using the Climate Emergency Playbook.
- Join the B Corp Climate Collective.
In the past year, the number of B Corp certified companies participating has grown to more than 800, and together we have already made a significant impact.
The commitment to significant carbon reduction leading to a Net Zero 2030 future is part of the most accelerated climate action effort by the largest constituency of businesses in the world, demonstrating true leadership in a time of severe environmental, societal, and economic unrest and uncertainty. We’re immensely proud to be a part of that.
With Net Zero 2030, we reaffirm our commitment to collective and immediate action to halt and reverse the current climate trajectory and to build an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system. We are joining the B Corp Climate Collective and B Lab in calling on the community of B Corps and all businesses around the globe to champion meaningful climate solutions to secure the health of people and our planet for future generations.