Building a carbon neutrality roadmap – from objectives to practical actions
In the context of increasingly serious climate change, carbon neutrality has become an important objective for many countries and enterprises worldwide. This is not only an inevitable trend but also a sustainable development approach that supports enterprises in optimizing costs, enhancing credibility, and accessing green investment capital. What is “carbon neutrality”, why is it necessary to develop such a roadmap, and how can objectives be translated into practical actions?
What is carbon neutrality?
Carbon neutrality (carbon neutrality) is understood as a state of balance between the amount of CO₂ emitted and the amount of CO₂ removed from the atmosphere through activities such as afforestation, the use of renewable energy, or the purchase of carbon credits. This concept emerged in 2006 and has rapidly become a global reference point in green development strategies. However, to achieve this state, enterprises should not limit themselves to emissions “offsetting” only, but should prioritize substantive reductions at source.
The importance of building a carbon neutrality roadmap
The climate crisis, originating from the Industrial Revolution and driven by human carbon emissions, is threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and planetary stability. According to the IPCC Report (2023), global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 43% by 2030 to limit temperature increase to below 1.5°C — a target considered a safety threshold for the Earth.
Commitments to carbon neutrality not only contribute to global efforts to address climate change, but also generate clear social benefits. Emissions reduction helps improve air quality, reduce respiratory diseases, and enhance public health, particularly in urban areas — where air pollution causes approximately 7 million deaths annually (according to the WHO).
Carbon neutrality therefore is not only an environmental objective, but an essential step towards a green, healthy, and sustainable future for all.
From commitment to action: solutions to operationalize carbon neutrality
To operationalize carbon neutrality objectives, enterprises may adopt four main approaches.
First, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing production processes. Google is a representative example, having achieved carbon neutrality since 2007 and operating on 100% wind and solar energy. Air France has also set a target to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 through fuel-efficient fleets and the use of sustainable aviation fuel.
Second, increasing carbon sequestration capacity through the conservation and expansion of natural sinks such as forests, soil, and oceans. According to the IPCC AR6 report, these sinks can store up to 56% of annual CO₂ emissions. TotalEnergies has invested USD 100 million in forest protection projects in the United States to increase carbon storage capacity.
Third, applying carbon offset mechanisms through the purchase of credits from afforestation projects or CO₂ capture technologies such as DAC and BECCS. Microsoft is a pioneering enterprise that has committed to becoming “carbon negative” by 2030, meaning it removes more emissions than it generates.
Finally, enterprises may promote public–private partnerships to mobilize social resources for emissions reduction projects, such as the CP4D Fund model initiated by UNDP.
Which enterprises should apply a carbon neutrality roadmap?
A carbon neutrality roadmap is not only a global trend but also a determining factor for enterprises seeking to maintain competitive advantage in the green economy context. Based on legal requirements, emission intensity, and market pressure, four groups of enterprises should prioritize the implementation of such a roadmap:
- Group subject to domestic legal requirements – high-emission enterprises
These are facilities included in the list required to conduct greenhouse gas inventories under Decision No. 01/2022/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister.
They include sectors such as industry, energy, construction, transportation, and natural resources and environment — fields with high emission levels and close regulatory oversight. Delayed action may result in legal risks and increased compliance costs, particularly as Viet Nam is advancing carbon pricing mechanisms. - Group subject to international compliance pressure – exporting enterprises
Enterprises manufacturing and exporting to the EU, particularly in sectors such as steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen, are directly affected by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Without a clear emissions reduction plan, goods may be subject to high carbon taxes and lose competitiveness in international markets. - Group participating in global supply chains – Scope 3 emissions reduction
Many Vietnamese enterprises are suppliers to multinational corporations that have committed to carbon neutrality, such as Apple, Nike, and Samsung. Accordingly, they must comply with requirements to reduce Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions within the supply chain). In particular, the textile, electronics, and component manufacturing sectors must demonstrate emissions reduction efforts to maintain contracts and brand positioning in global supply chains. - Group oriented toward green capital and ESG – listed companies
Enterprises listed on stock exchanges, or projects seeking capital through green bonds and responsible investment funds (PRI), need to develop a carbon neutrality roadmap to improve ESG performance. This not only facilitates access to preferential investment capital, but also strengthens shareholder and consumer confidence in sustainable development commitments.
Benefits of applying a carbon neutrality roadmap
Developing a carbon neutrality roadmap is not only an environmental responsibility but also a strategic decision for enterprises in the evolving green economy. A structured roadmap helps enterprises reduce risks, optimize costs, and create sustainable competitive advantages — from direct impacts on ecosystems to brand value, investment capital, and internal engagement. The specific benefits include:
- Reducing environmental impacts — cutting greenhouse gas emissions, conserving forests and carbon sinks, contributing to slowing global warming and reducing disaster risks.
- Improving public health — reducing air pollution, leading to fewer respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and lower healthcare costs.
- Saving operational costs — optimizing energy use, reducing material consumption, and lowering long-term costs through operational efficiency.
- Reducing legal and supply chain risks — early compliance with carbon regulations (e.g. carbon taxes, CBAM) and international partner requirements.
- Accessing green capital and financial incentives — facilitating capital mobilization through green bonds, preferential loans, and ESG-oriented investors.
- Enhancing brand credibility and competitive position — green or carbon neutrality certification increases trust among customers and partners and supports market expansion.
- Stimulating innovation and opening new markets — encouraging the development of environmentally friendly products and services and sustainable solutions.
- Strengthening workforce and community engagement — increasing employee motivation, improving organizational culture, and demonstrating social responsibility.
Conclusion
Building a carbon neutrality roadmap is not only an environmental responsibility but also a strategic step that enables enterprises to reduce risks, optimize costs, and enhance credibility in the market. By starting with emissions inventory, setting clear objectives, implementing source-based reduction measures, and offsetting only the remaining emissions through verified projects, enterprises can both contribute to climate change mitigation and create opportunities to access green capital and strengthen competitiveness.