zerocarbon

Zerocarbon refers to energy, products, or processes that produce no net greenhouse gas emissions across their life cycle or during operation. In practice, zerocarbon is most closely associated with electricity and heat generated from non-fossil sources and used with zero direct CO2 emissions. Different contexts may apply different boundaries; some definitions emphasize total life-cycle emissions, while others focus on operational emissions alone.

Common pathways to zerocarbon include expanding renewable energy capacity (such as wind, solar, hydro), using nuclear power as a reliable zero-emission source, electrifying transportation and heating with clean electricity, and improving energy efficiency. Where emissions cannot be fully eliminated, technologies like carbon capture and storage or removal may be used to offset remaining outputs, depending on policy and methodological choices.

Industry faces particular challenges. Sectors such as steel and cement have high process-related emissions and are pursuing approaches such as hydrogen-based production, electrification of high-temperature processes, alternative materials, and, where feasible, CCS. The goal is to reach zero net emissions for a given product or activity, or to operate facilities that emit no CO2 at all.

Measurement and governance rely on transparent boundaries and credible accounting. Metrics commonly used include CO2e per unit of energy or product, and life-cycle assessments. Standards and disclosures from frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO family of standards support verification and comparability, aiding policy makers, investors, and consumers in evaluating zerocarbon claims.