Can carbon removals solve climate change?

Blog

blog_carbon_removalsblog_carbon_removals_header-min

Can_Carbon_Removals_Solve_Climate_Change

There has been a lot of interest in carbon removal in the last couple of years, including high-profile investment from organisations such as Google, Microsoft and Stripe.
It plays an important role in the net-zero journey, but what exactly is carbon removal, and how can it help us to reach global net-zero?
In this guide we’ll be covering: 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What is carbon removal?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Is carbon removal the same as carbon avoidance?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What are the different kinds of carbon removal?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What role does carbon removal play in net-zero?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why support carbon removal now rather than waiting until your target net-zero year?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why carbon removal is not a silver bullet</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How does Ecologi approach carbon removal?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How can I support carbon removal through Ecologi?</li>
</ul>

“Carbon removal”, or carbon dioxide removal (CDR) refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it in a way that prevents its release back into the atmosphere.

Is carbon removal the same as carbon avoidance?

Carbon avoidance projects prevent additional greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere by reducing sources of emissions. An example of this would be replacing a fossil fuel power plant with a wind farm or a solar farm. From the moment the renewable energy replaces energy from fossil fuels, the potential emissions of the fossil fuels that aren’t burned for energy are categorised as avoided emissions.
Carbon removal differs from carbon avoidance because it removes CO2 from the atmosphere.
So, where avoidance is trying to minimise the volume of greenhouse gases being emitted, removal is trying to decrease the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

blog_carbon_removalsblog_carbon_removals_bathtub_banner_1600x1010

Carbon_Removals_Bathtub_Diagram

If you think about atmospheric CO2 as the water in a bathtub, with emissions represented by water coming in from the tap &#8211; then direct emissions reductions and carbon avoidance are both akin to turning down (or off) the flow of water from the tap, whereas removals are akin to pulling out the plug to let some of the water drain away.

What are the different methods of carbon removal?

There are several methods of carbon removal, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
As outlined in our <a href="https://cms-assets.offset.earth/app/uploads/20230816110540/Carbon_Removal_Strategy_Final-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">carbon removal white paper</a>, we categorised these into biological and tech solutions. There are both traditional and ‘novel’ solutions &#8211; innovative solutions, often using cutting edge technology, which draw carbon dioxide from the air.

What role does carbon removal play in net-zero?

Whilst the focus must always remain on reducing emissions on a global level, all IPCC pathways to meet our 1.5ºC and 2ºC climate targets require some deployment of carbon dioxide removal.
The role of carbon removal in <a href="https://sciencebasedtargets.org/net-zero" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the net-zero journey</a> (illustrated in the graph below) for businesses is two fold:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">At the end of the net-zero journey, where you must neutralise a maximum of 10% of your original emissions through carbon removal credits (in blue)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Throughout the net-zero journey, where carbon removal credits should feature as a component of your beyond value chain mitigation (‘BVCM’) / “fund climate action” (in green)</li>
</ol>

There is an urgent need for businesses to support climate action including removals throughout their net-zero journey, not just at the end.
Much like businesses have a portfolio of investments, they should also establish their own Beyond Value Chain (BVCM), or “climate action”, portfolio &#8211; a range of projects, which includes reforestation, conservation, carbon avoidance and removal projects, which the business funds throughout their climate journey, to help contribute towards global net-zero.

blog_carbon_removalsblog_carbon_removals_ew_quote_1600x550

Blog_Carbon_Removals_Quote

In fact, the Net-Zero Standard recommends that businesses focus on securing and enhancing carbon sinks (terrestrial, coastal and marine, etc.) to avoid the emissions that arise from their degradation.
A strong climate action (BVCM) portfolio will therefore include a range of projects. This should include carbon removal, carbon avoidance, other forms of nature and habitat restoration, and more.

One vitally important thing to remember about carbon removal is that it is not &#8211; and, despite what some people say, will never be &#8211; a silver bullet for solving climate change.
This is for a number of reasons:
<ul>
<li>Scale. Carbon removal will only ever have a limited role because it cannot compensate for the sheer scale of emissions we are globally producing. That’s why reducing emissions directly must always be the first priority.</li>
<li>Uncertainties. Many new carbon removal methods are in their infancy, and it is unclear exactly how scalable they can be.</li>
<li>Energy requirements. Removing carbon can be energy-intensive and requires substantial resources, including land, water and electricity.</li>
<li>High cost. Some new technologies cost over $1,000 per tonne of carbon dioxide removed. Costs are projected to decrease over time, but will remain relatively high in the short to medium term.</li>
<li>Earth system imbalances. The net effect on the Earth system of a tonne of carbon dioxide emitted and subsequently removed, is not the same as the net effect of simply not producing the emissions in the first place.</li>
</ul>

How does Ecologi approach carbon removal?

Our recently published <a href="https://cms-assets.offset.earth/app/uploads/20230816110540/Carbon_Removal_Strategy_Final-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">carbon removal strategy</a> unpacks a lot more about the types of solutions existing in the market; the potential of carbon removal including side effects; the prospects of the existing projects within the carbon market, as well as the insights which directed Ecologi’s Impact Team in selecting our first carbon removal projects.
Based on this research, Ecologi’s carbon removal strategy prioritises nature-based solutions including afforestation, blue carbon (mangrove &amp; seagrass planting and protection), soil carbon sequestration and more proven novel approaches, like biochar production and enhanced weathering, over those which are less proven, scalable, or come with a higher risk of negative side-effects.
Our carbon removal project selection maintains the same quality standards we’ve always had, ensuring projects are certified through bodies such as Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard, as well as other highly regarded certifying bodies such as Puro. Find out more about how Ecologi sources high-quality carbon credits <a href="https://ecologi.com/articles/blog/funding-carbon-credits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

How can I support carbon removal with Ecologi?

You can fund carbon removal in our <a href="https://ecologi.com/business/impact-shop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ecologi Impact Shop</a>, through biochar, afforestation, or blue carbon (mangroves &amp; seagrass planting and protection).

blog_carbon_removalsblog_carbon_removals_with-ecologi_1600x550

Blog_Carbon_Removals_Impact_Shop_image

When you fund carbon removal projects through Ecologi, you’ll see the tonnes of carbon removed appear on your profile.

blog_carbon_removalsblog_carbon_removals_ew_quote_1600x550-copy

Blog_Carbon_Removals_Example_Of_Profile

Is your business ready to take climate action?

Complete the form below to schedule a call with our team to start your climate journey and create a solution to suit your business. Alternatively if you already know what you need then visit our Impact Shop <a href="https://ecologi.com/business/impact-shop">here</a>, or if you&#8217;re an enterprise request a carbon quote <a href="https://info.ecologi.com/climate-action-quotes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

Speak to our team. We're here to help find your perfect climate solution.

blog_goodnews_header-1

Blog_GoodNews_Header (1)

Hopescrolling: The good news timeline

It’s not all bad. While there’s a lot of negative news about the climate, let’s not forget the good stuff. Find climate wins, reasons to be hopeful and plenty of positivity in our good news timeline.

The good news timeline

Ready to make a difference for our planet? Get in touch, and let’s chat about how we can help you on your climate journey. 

blog_netzeronow_announcement_header_01-1

Blog_NetZeroNow_Announcement_Header_01 (1)

Ecologi acquires Net Zero Now

In a landmark move set to reshape corporate climate action, we’re excited to announce that Ecologi, the UK&#8217;s most trusted climate action platform, has acquired <a href="https://netzeronow.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Net Zero Now</a>, the sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction platform for businesses.
The combined entity operating under the Ecologi brand will create a single solution for industry climate leadership towards net zero. The integration combines sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction with world class verified climate projects that supports businesses wherever they are on their net zero journey.

<h2>The game-changing impact of this acquisition</h2>
The strategic acquisition solves two fundamental challenges in corporate climate action: businesses have been forced to choose between fragmented solutions and generic ‘one size fits all’ approaches that ignore crucial sector-specific needs. By combining Net Zero Now&#8217;s sector-specific protocol expertise with Ecologi&#8217;s platform funding top-tier climate projects, we&#8217;re creating a tailored and complete solution helping businesses lead their industries towards net zero.

Reduce emissions.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Measure Scope 1, 2 &amp; 3 emissions with sector-specific industry GHG protocols</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Set short term and long term reduction target emissions aligned to SBTi</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tailored reduction plans for sector-specific emissions pathways</li>
</ul>
Restore our planet.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Compensate for unavoidable emissions as you reduce them through 
funding verified, high-quality carbon avoidance and removal credits</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contribute to global climate goals by funding climate Impact Funds for 
beyond value chain mitigation and/or as part of your products &amp; services</li>
</ul>
Report on progress.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Corporate sustainability standards e.g. CSRD, SECR, SBTi, CDP, B Corp</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sector specific standards e.g. Accountancy, Hospitality, Public Sector</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Custom climate impact reports and embeddable dashboards</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communications toolkit for board and stakeholder engagement</li>
</ul>

Climate leadership starts here

blog_netzeronow_announcement_banner_02-1

Blog_NetZeroNow_Announcement_Banner_02 (1)

Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director of Net Zero Now, said:
<blockquote>Businesses want to take climate action, but they want to know they’re doing it right and what’s right for a restaurant business is not the same as what’s right for an accounting firm.  They need industry-specific guidance and clear pathways to climate leadership. By joining forces with Ecologi, we&#8217;re creating a platform that allows us to provide credible, simple and affordable, sector-specific, end-to-end climate solutions for businesses in our existing sectors and collaborate with industry partners on new sector-led solutions.</blockquote>

adobe-express-file

Adobe Express - file

The acquisition aligns with Ecologi&#8217;s mission to accelerate business climate action and grow our 24,000 strong customer base. Established sector protocols including hospitality and professional services will be the initial focus with plans to expand across additional industries throughout 2025.
With organisations under increasingly complex stakeholder and industry compliance demands for environmental accountability, this end-to-end solution also ensures streamlined reporting, monitoring progress, supply chain transparency, and voluntary disclosures. This transforms business leaders into climate leaders with the confidence to tackle their climate commitments head-on, communicating and meeting critical regulatory requirements like SECR, CSRD and SBTi.

<h2>More about Net Zero Now</h2>
Founded in 2021, Net Zero Now has developed a proprietary sector-led approach, which combines climate expertise alongside the sector knowledge and experience of relevant industry bodies, industry influencers and larger businesses to reach a consensus around what Net Zero means in practice for businesses in each sector. To date, the company has measured and validated 1.8 MtCO2e lifetime emissions supporting more than 50+ leading brands including Coca Cola Europacific Partners, L&#8217;Orèal, Heineken, Pernod Ricard, Subway, Hard Rock Cafe, Adnams, Edgbaston and James Cowper Kreston.

FAQs

Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with our climate experts

Case studies

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_header

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Header

4 hospitality companies leading the way on climate action

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have in the hospitality industry — it&#8217;s a business necessity. With increasing regulatory pressure, shifting customer expectations, and the growing impact of climate change, hospitality businesses are finding that taking action isn&#8217;t just about responsibility—it&#8217;s about resilience. This is particularly evident as 70% of Brits are now actively trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle (Nutritics, 2024), and 44% say sustainability is important in their choice of venue to visit (Morning Advertiser, 2023). From tackling food waste to cutting carbon emissions, the sector is facing both challenges and opportunities to drive meaningful change.
At the heart of this transformation is the food system. The hospitality industry relies on farming—a sector responsible for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions and one that is increasingly vulnerable to climate disruption. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and supply chain instability are already affecting food availability and costs, making sustainability not just an ethical priority but a commercial imperative. This is reflected in consumer behavior, with 47% of consumers wanting more information about carbon footprints on menus, and 41% saying this information would influence their order (CGA Strategy, 2023).
Fortunately, forward-thinking hospitality businesses are stepping up, driven by clear market demand—34% of UK pub and restaurant goers are prepared to spend more in venues with strong sustainability credentials, increasing to 47% for Gen Z and Millennials (Sustainability Beat, 2023). This generational shift is significant, with consumers aged 18-34 being nearly twice as likely to pay more for sustainability than those aged 55+ (WaterAid, 2023).
As the food and beverage industry awakens to its environmental responsibilities, and with climate change threatening to fundamentally disrupt global food security, restaurants and food service enterprises are stepping up to take meaningful climate action. These pioneering businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can enhance business performance while making a positive environmental impact, even as they navigate the unique challenges of being both a contributor to and victim of climate change.
Read about four hospitality companies that are championing climate action, and explore how they are turning environmental challenges into business opportunities.
Whether it&#8217;s engaging employees, measuring carbon footprints, or developing new sustainable service offerings, these venues are setting the standard for a greener future in hospitality.
<ol>
<li>Hawksmoor: Leading Sustainability in Fine Dining</li>
<li>Freemans Event Partners: Pioneering Sustainable Event Catering</li>
<li>Lisini Pub Co: Family Legacy Meets Sustainable Innovation</li>
<li>The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol</li>
</ol>

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_banner_01

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Banner_01

<h2>Hawksmoor: leading sustainability in fine dining</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li> Achieved B Corp certification in September 2022</li>
<li>Comprehensive review of operational sustainability across all locations</li>
<li>Implementation of energy reduction initiatives</li>
<li>Enhanced waste management systems</li>
<li>Water conservation measures</li>
<li>Integration of sustainability into staff training programs</li>
</ul>
Hawksmoor&#8217;s journey exemplifies how restaurant groups can lead in sustainability within the hospitality sector. Their comprehensive approach includes setting ambitious net-zero targets for 2030 while focusing on immediate operational improvements. The restaurant group&#8217;s commitment is evidenced by their systematic review of day-to-day operations across their locations in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and New York. What sets them apart is their holistic approach to sustainability: examining energy usage, waste management, and water consumption while maintaining their reputation for quality dining. Their structured approach to employee engagement includes a two-day intensive induction program that emphasises sustainability, making it a core part of their culture.
Ellie Besley-Gould, Head of Purpose at Hawksmoor, said:
<blockquote>We&#8217;ve been heavily involved with the Sustainable Restaurant Association since about 12 years ago&#8230; It&#8217;s a really important area for us to be stepping up the work in, looking at how we can inspire change.</blockquote>

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_banner_02

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Banner_02

<h2>Freemans Event Partners: pioneering sustainable event catering</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Achieved 38.4% reduction in emissions compared to projections</li>
<li>Implemented innovative &#8220;Zero Zone&#8221; testing area</li>
<li>Introduced shuttle buggies for reduced transport emissions</li>
<li>Deployed hybrid power generators</li>
<li>Established carbon menu labelling</li>
<li>Enhanced waste management through compostable solutions</li>
</ul>
Freemans Event Partners&#8217; journey demonstrates how large-scale event catering can embrace sustainability without compromising service quality. Their innovative approach at the British Grand Prix showcases their commitment to reducing environmental impact in high-pressure environments. The company&#8217;s dedication is evidenced by exceeding their initial 5% emissions reduction target and implementing a groundbreaking &#8220;Zero Zone&#8221; area for testing new sustainability initiatives. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: measuring and analysing emissions across all aspects of their operation, from food stalls to logistics and waste management.
Richard West, Sustainability Manager at Freemans Event Partners, said:
<blockquote>Through partnering we&#8217;ve realised that collaboration is key to making lasting and impactful environmental changes in the events catering industry. The process has been much more straightforward than we thought it would be and we look forward to setting even bigger reductions targets as we go forward.</blockquote>

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_banner_03

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Banner_03

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_banner_04

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Banner_04

<h2>Lisini Pub Co: family legacy meets sustainable innovation</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48% through renewable electricity</li>
<li>Won the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award</li>
<li>Achieved lowest electricity demand in 10 years</li>
<li>Implemented LED lighting and sensor systems</li>
<li>Launched biodiversity project at Dalziel Park</li>
<li>Developed sustainable kitchen practices and menu innovation</li>
<li>Created venue-specific green teams</li>
</ul>
Lisini Pub Co&#8217;s journey demonstrates how family-owned hospitality businesses can transform their environmental impact while preserving their heritage. Their comprehensive approach combines traditional Scottish hospitality with modern sustainability practices across their venues, including the historic Angels hotel in Uddingston. What sets them apart is their innovative approach to sustainability: implementing competitive green teams across venues, achieving dramatic emissions reductions, and maintaining their commitment to quality service. Their structured approach includes both operational improvements and employee engagement, making sustainability a core part of their 45-year family legacy.
Siobhan Edwards, Director Lisini Pub Group, said:
<blockquote>It&#8217;s not until we&#8217;ve been working in the last year that we&#8217;ve really truly understood our carbon footprint. It&#8217;s the right thing to do, it&#8217;s the right thing for our customers, for our planet, for the environment, and actually it saves us money at the same time.</blockquote>

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_banner_06

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Banner_06

<h2>The Assemblies: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Bristol</h2>
Key Improvements:
<ul>
<li>Established 100-mile radius local sourcing policy</li>
<li>Implemented full venue LED lighting systems</li>
<li>Introduced reusable cups for music events</li>
<li>Developed nose-to-tail food waste reduction policy</li>
<li>Created vegetarian menu options to reduce emissions</li>
<li>Enhanced supplier partnerships for sustainability</li>
<li>Achieved an impressive 3-star rating in the Food Made Good Standard, scoring 92% overall and 91% specifically in environmental practices</li>
</ul>
The Assemblies&#8217; journey showcases how urban hospitality venues can lead in sustainability while building strong community connections. Since their inception in 2009, they&#8217;ve demonstrated that local sourcing and environmental responsibility can coexist with business success. What sets them apart is their data-driven approach to sustainability: analysing carbon ratings, implementing local sourcing policies, and creating innovative menu solutions. Their comprehensive strategy includes everything from sound system upgrades to waste reduction initiatives, making sustainability integral to their operation.
Anna Blightman, Brand Marketing Manager, said:
<blockquote>Something that our partnership has allowed us to do, is lay all the data out on the table so that we can actually look at it, and stand to analyse it and understand where we can make changes. If we don&#8217;t start now, when will we start?</blockquote>

blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_01blog_abm_hospitality_leadingtheway_banner_07

Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_01Blog_ABM_Hospitality_LeadingTheWay_Banner_07

As these leading hospitality companies show, meaningful climate action can drive significant business benefits—from stronger customer and employee engagement to enhanced brand reputation and risk mitigation. By taking a thoughtful, transparent, and impactful approach, businesses can pave the way for a sustainable future.
Ready to take the lead in climate action? Book in a 30 minute discovery call with our Hospitality sector experts and find out more about partnering with Ecologi to measure your emissions, set reduction goals and fund high-quality climate action on the road to net-zero.

Can carbon removals solve climate change?

What is carbon removal?

Is carbon removal the same as carbon avoidance?

What are the different methods of carbon removal?

What role does carbon removal play in net-zero?

Why fund carbon removal now?

Carbon removal is not a silver bullet

How does Ecologi approach carbon removal?

How can I support carbon removal with Ecologi?

Is your business ready to take climate action?

More posts

Hopescrolling: The good news timeline

Ecologi acquires Net Zero Now

4 hospitality companies leading the way on climate action

Follow us

Members

Resources

© 2025 Ecologi

Stay in touch with Ecologi