When a Carbon Neutral Pledge Makes The Most Difference

Microsoft, Amazon, Ikea, BP – what do these big brands all have in common? They’ve made a commitment to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Wonder how brands like these are going to make it work? There are actually two ways, and one is far more impactful than the other. 

Different Methodologies

Many companies these days are ready to let you know that they’re committed to reducing greenhouse emissions, but there’s a fairly easy way a company can claim they’re doing just that: carbon offsets. The idea behind this practice is that instead of making changes within their business model to decrease the amount of carbon they’re producing, they buy a carbon offset, which is like a kind of trade. That carbon offset they’ve purchased helps fund a different project designed to directly reduce greenhouse emissions. Is it helpful to the overall cause? Absolutely. Does it directly reduce the carbon the company produces on a daily basis? No.

A Very Different Commitment

Some companies, though, take the idea of carbon neutrality very seriously, and they’re doing everything they can to change their business model so it will have a direct impact on the environment around them. Instead of simply buying carbon offsets, these companies are investing in technologies that help to change their business model. NWABF is working to help one major Air Line change their business model and keep the commitment to reduced emissions thanks to its work with sustainable aviation fuel. In partnership with one major Air Line, NWABF is in the process of creating sustainable, near-emission free, renewable aviation fuel from wood residuals in forests. The companies investing in technology like this are shifting their business models to greatly reduce their carbon emissions, not simply buying offsets that invest in other projects. 

When you hear about companies that are committed to greener practices, remember that not all of those green practices have a direct impact on the environments.  Understanding what is behind each company’s commitment to change is key to decoding today’s headlines. 

For more information on the NWABF project, please contact us at info@nwabf.com.