Although the phrases “We will be carbon neutral” and “2050 net zero” appear in the same sentence, they are technically different commitments. The export industry has to clarify these concepts due to the EU Green Deal and major buyers' supplier surveys. Wrong target or incomplete measurement creates both reputational and contractual risk.
What does carbon neutral mean?
Carbon neutrality is when an organization or product measures its greenhouse gas emissions, reduces them as much as possible, and offsets the remaining amount through carbon offset projects. Achievable in the short term; however, offset quality (persistence, additional offset, verification) is critical. Just “planting trees” is not enough to achieve a long-term climate goal.
Net zero difference
Net zero, particularly along the lines of SBTi and IPCC, means deep emissions reductions across the value chain and offsetting with only very limited, permanent removal. The “zero” claim with temporary offsets is not accepted in the corporate net zero standard. For manufacturing companies, this means taking Scope 3 into account, from supplier to customer.
Scope 1, 2 and 3: From factory to chain
Scope 1 — Direct emissions
The fuel oil, natural gas, diesel forklift, process emissions and illegal refrigerant gases you burn in the field are Scope 1. Measurement: fuel bills, mass balance, leak tests.
Scope 2 — Purchased energy
They are indirect emissions of electricity and steam received from the grid. Since the share of electricity in Turkish industry is high, this is the "quick win" area of most facilities. Correct method: location-based (grid average) or market-based (YEKA/Warranty Certificate) factor selection — consistency is a must.
Scope 3 — Value chain
These are indirect emissions spread across 15 categories, including raw materials, logistics, business travel, employee transportation, use of product sold, and scrap. In the manufacturing sector, more than 70% of total emissions can be in Scope 3; many companies still only report on Scope 1–2. EU supply chain demands close this gap.
field fuel
Scope 1
direct
Electricity/steam
Scope 2
Can be measured by OSOS
Supply + product
Scope 3
The hardest, biggest share
Why in Turkey now?
The Climate Law (7552), which came into force in July 2025, and the planned national ETS make carbon a cost item. Embedded emissions proof is mandatory for cement, iron and steel, aluminum and fertilizer exporters under CBAM. Even companies that do not claim carbon neutrality are required to have "emission transparency".
Step by step roadmap
- Scope 1–2 inventory: 12 months of energy and fuel data
- Prioritize the largest Scope 3 categories (purchased material, logistics)
- Digital monitoring (OSOS, production ERP) for kWh and tCO₂e
- Mitigation projects: efficiency, solar energy, heat recovery
- Goal: SBTi compatible mitigation first, position offset as last resort
- Annual reporting: compliance with GRI, CSRD or customer templates
Conclusion
Carbon neutral is a communication goal, net zero is a transformation program. Accurately measuring electricity consumption (Scope 2) is the common starting point for both journeys. With ENOPTIMAL, you can provide reliable input to carbon accounting by managing consumption and production data from a single source.