Net zero, carbon neutral, climate positive and similar terms are often used as if they describe the same thing. They do not. These guides explain the boundaries, reductions, residual emissions and evidence behind common climate claims.
Choose where to start
- Define net zero: read what net zero means.
- Compare two common labels: use net zero vs carbon neutral.
- Check wider marketing language: read the climate claims hierarchy.
- Assess greenwashing risk: use the greenwashing guide.
Browse claims and definitions guides
| Guide | Best for | Main question |
|---|---|---|
| What is net zero? | Core definition | Which emissions must be reduced and how are residual emissions treated? |
| Net zero vs carbon neutral | Comparing labels | How do boundaries, time horizons and credit use differ? |
| Climate claims hierarchy | Communications and claims review | Which claims carry the greatest evidence burden? |
| What is greenwashing? | Consumers, businesses and investors | Which omissions or vague terms can make a claim misleading? |
| VCMI Claims Code explained | Companies using carbon credits | How do reductions, credit use and public claims fit together? |
| Carbon neutral certification explained | Certification checks | What does a certification verify, and what does it leave outside the claim? |
Read the boundary before the label
The same phrase can cover a company, product, event, building or selected operation. A useful claim states the subject, reporting period, emissions included, reductions achieved and role of carbon credits. Without that information, the label alone says very little.
Reduction and compensation are different actions
Operational reductions change the emissions produced by an activity. Carbon credits finance a separate reduction, avoidance or removal claim under a defined programme. Both may appear in a climate strategy, but they should not be presented as interchangeable.
Bottom line
Judge climate language by its boundary, method and evidence. The more ambitious the wording, the clearer those elements should be.