What Is Decarbonisation?
Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to an activity, business, sector, product or economy. This can involve cutting fossil fuel use, improving fuel efficiency, prioritising renewable energy, reducing waste, changing materials and lowering emissions across a supply chain.
For businesses, decarbonisation is not purely about energy use. Waste management, recycling, food waste, packaging choices, procurement and transport can all affect emissions.
Quick answer: what is decarbonisation?
- Decarbonisation is the process of reducing or removing greenhouse gas emissions for an activity, organisation or economy.
This can translate to replacing fossil fuels with lower-carbon energy, improving efficiency and reducing waste. - Businesses can start the process of decarbonisation by using less energy, improving recycling, reducing food waste, changing transport habits, buying lower-carbon materials and sending less waste to landfill.
- The overarching aim is to reduce emissions as far as possible before relying on offsets or removals.
Decarbonisation vs Net Zero:
what’s the difference?
Decarbonisation is the process of cutting emissions, while net zero is the target whereby remaining greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by removals. So, a business can actively decarbonise without reaching net zero.
Examples of decarbonisation in action include:
- Switching to renewable electricity
- Reducing food waste
- Sending less waste to landfill
The UK has a target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the Climate Change Act framework. If a business claims they are operating at net zero, they will usually need to prove this through measurement of emissions.
Why does decarbonisation matter?
The UK needs to decarbonise to meet the 2050 net zero target. Businesses play a central role in this goal, but decarbonisation can also support businesses by:
- Lowering operating costs
- Improving compliance
- Strengthening procurement credentials
- Improving supply-chain reporting
- Reducing exposure to landfill and energy costs
- Strengthening customer and investor trust
Initial reporting suggests decarbonisation methods are starting to make their mark. GOV reports that territorial greenhouse gas emissions in the UK were estimated at 371 million CO₂e tonnes in 2024, down 4% from 2023, and 54% lower than 1990.
Common ways businesses can decarbonise
Use less energy
Businesses should actively look to improve lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration and equipment efficiency. This is one of the quickest, easily implemented decarbonisation techniques.
Switch to lower-carbon power
If possible, move away from fossil fuel-based energy and prioritise renewable electricity. Onsite solar, green tariffs or power purchase agreements are all avenues that businesses can explore.
Reduce waste
Preventing waste production is usually more positive than managing it later down the line. More efficient stock control, smarter procurement, reusable materials and a crackdown on single-use packaging are all viable waste reduction techniques. Less waste means fewer emissions from production, transport and disposal.
Recycle more materials
Recycling keeps materials in use and reduces the demand for newly produced resources. Arrange separate routes for paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, food waste, WEEE, batteries and wood, ensuring materials are clean and correctly separated.
Cut food waste
Food waste creates emissions when it’s grown, transported, stored and thrown away. Setting up a separate food waste collection increases the likelihood of it being sent to anaerobic digestion facilities or to be composted.
Improve transport and logistics
Consolidate deliveries and work with providers to optimise collection schedules to reduce unnecessary journeys. If possible, prioritise low-emission vehicles and audit bin sizing to limit vehicle movements.
Buy lower-carbon products and materials
Single-use items and over-ordering can set back your decarbonisation efforts. Choose products with high recycled content, work with suppliers who offer take-back schemes and consider whole-life impact rather than solely purchase price.
How waste management helps with
decarbonisation
Waste management isn’t the whole answer to decarbonisation, but for many businesses it’s a practical place to start. In 2019, UK waste management accounted for approximately 5% of UK emissions, a 71% decrease from 1990 figures (GOV).
Landfill is the single largest source of methane emissions in the UK waste sector, accounting for 81% according to a UK methane memorandum (GOV). So, reducing reliance on landfill is extremely important for all businesses.
Ensure your business is:
- Separating food waste
- Recycling paper, card, glass, metal and plastics correctly
- Keeping recyclables clean and dry
- Sending WEEE, batteries and hazardous waste through the right routes
- Reducing contamination
- Reviewing general waste bins
- Avoiding unnecessary collections through correct bin sizes and schedules
What is a decarbonisation plan?
A broad decarbonisation plan should identify:
- Main emission sources
- Quick wins
- Longer-term changes
- Costs and savings
- Owners and deadlines
- How progress will be measured
For waste specifically, a plan may include:
- Waste audit
- Food waste separation
- Recycling improvements
- Supplier packaging changes
- Collection schedule review
- Staff training
- Landfill diversion targets
Mark Hall, Waste Management Expert, adds:
Contact us
Get a fast FREE quote for commercial recycling
- Free quote within 1 hour
- All sectors supported
- FREE containers
- Nationwide UK coverage
Decarbonisation FAQs
-
What is decarbonisation in simple terms?
Decarbonisation means reducing the greenhouse gas emissions linked to an activity, business, product or economy.
-
What is an example of decarbonisation?
Examples include switching to renewable electricity, using electric vehicles, reducing food waste, improving recycling or replacing high-carbon materials.
-
Is decarbonisation the same as net zero?
No. Decarbonisation is the process of reducing emissions. Net zero is the target where remaining emissions are balanced by removals.
-
How can businesses decarbonise?
Businesses can decarbonise by using less energy, reducing waste, improving recycling, cutting transport emissions, buying lower-carbon materials and separating food waste.
-
Why does waste matter for decarbonisation?
Waste matters because producing, transporting and disposing of materials creates emissions. Sending biodegradable waste to landfill can also produce methane.
-
What is a decarbonisation plan?
A decarbonisation plan sets out how a business will measure emissions, reduce them and track progress over time.
Have your waste collected
Get a fast FREE quote for your waste collection 0800 211 83 90
- Free quote within 1 hr
- Any type of waste
- FREE bins and delivery
- We cover all of the UK