The way things are developing, soon, every company will have to prove that they are operating in a carbon-neutral manner. This is since The Leaders to Leaders Summit on Climate showed that the worldwide movement toward net zero objectives is gathering steam. That said, being carbon neutral is not only beneficial to the image of a brand. There are many other benefits of carbon neutrality. For this reason, today, we will discuss the biggest brand benefits of carbon neutral certification.
What Is Carbon Neutrality?
Since 2006, the term "carbon neutral" has risen to the level of "cyber security" and "ESG" as one of the most popular discussions among corporate executives (environment, social, and governance). A business may become carbon neutral by determining its current carbon footprint and then implementing various efficiency measures to cut down on that footprint's impact. Organizations could support external projects that follow the Carbon Neutral Protocol as a second step toward achieving carbon neutrality. When a business invests in internationally recognized initiatives, like reforestation, it can "offset" its emissions. Additionally, businesses can develop a wide range of carbon sinks, including buildings capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. That being said, when it comes to carbon neutrality, it is essential to discuss the so-called Scope of emissions. There are Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions:
- Scope 1: Direct greenhouse gas emissions from a company’s business activities or products
- Scope 2: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions resulting from purchased electricity, heat, and other energy used
- Scope 3: Other indirect sources of emissions that are hard to quantify
While many companies have made efforts to cut their carbon emissions, they have often neglected to address the impact of their supply chains and business relationships on their carbon neutrality. That being said, more and more companies are starting to, for instance, use sustainable methods when it comes to eco-friendly packing solutions and shipping.
What is Carbon Neutral Certification?
If a company successfully completes the carbon management protocol and maintains net-zero emissions for 12 months, it will receive a Carbon Neutral Certification. That said, the company that applies for a carbon natural certification has to provide irrefutable proof of its claim to this status. Claiming carbon neutrality is easy, but it means nothing unless you have proof. Customers and other essential stakeholders want to see your carbon impact, and they want to see it clearly. Carbon Neutral Certification outlines a series of actions that a company must complete to meet requirements that different organizations have established. This will provide key stakeholders confidence that the company has successfully achieved carbon neutrality and transparency into the company's environmental performance.
The Benefits of Carbon-neutral Certification
There are many benefits to having a carbon-neutral certification. For instance, you may increase your company's credibility and moral standing by making an effort to become carbon-neutral. Additionally, the public expects businesses to make some sort of sustainability effort. That said, the processes of becoming carbon neutral and claiming the formal certification provide concrete evidence of actual progress. This goes above and beyond typical CSR programs. It provides a long-term competitive edge for your company's image. Below, we've compiled a summary of the ways in which Carbon Neutral Certification may boost your company's reputation:
1. Maintains Trust and Confidence in the Organization
People associate Carbon Neutral Certifications with credible actions. This provides integrity to your claim and eliminates any greenwashing accusations. Furthermore, it creates trust between your company and the community that you claim to protect. It also lets others know that you have gone through all the necessary steps to officially become carbon neutral. Not only does this demonstrate that you are legitimately committed to the environment, but it also demonstrates your integrity in the actions that you take to do so.
2. Easy Brand Transparency
Carbon reports that detail your carbon footprint, reduction measures, and carbon credit acquisition (and retirement) give straightforward visibility into your company's climate effect and mitigation plans. This provides customers with peace of mind knowing that their purchases are supporting an organization with a clear conscience that is making a serious effort to reduce emissions and address climate change in a meaningful manner.
3. Credibility as a Recognizable Brand
Carbon Neutral labels boost market credibility, exposure, and loyalty. Before purchasing, consumers are now seeking goods with Carbon Neutral Certification badges. According to a recent survey, 74% of millennials would switch brands if they found another product from their favorite company that was certified as carbon neutral. As you can imagine, this is an enormous opportunity to increase revenue and build brand loyalty among current customers through increased visibility, retention, and repeat purchases.
4. Fits the Requirements of Major Stakeholders
Setting and implementing emission reduction plans aligns with stakeholders' desire to enhance environmental performance. The certification criteria also verify that you are in compliance with the law. It signals to customers that your brand is taking climate change seriously - a key driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty, especially amongst younger generations who care about responsible business practices.
5. Aids in Establishing Your Company as a Frontrunner
Taking environmental action beyond that of your regulatory requirements demonstrates strong leadership values. You will strengthen your relationship with employees, customers, and other stakeholders by taking action to reduce your organization's environmental impact. That being said, being a recognized leader in the sustainability space can open up new revenue streams and increase your brand value.
Conclusion
As more companies move to a low-carbon economy, standing out from the crowd is important to gain a competitive advantage. That being said, recognizing the biggest brand benefits of carbon neutral certification can help make it an easy choice for your organization. In addition to driving customer preference and increased loyalty, going carbon neutral has benefits for your operations as well. Therefore, you should strongly consider pursuing certification to demonstrate your corporate responsibility and demonstrate to your customers that you are a leader in the fight against climate change.
