For home Net Zero

Our carbon offsetting journey: An update

Zen Mar 24 2025 3 minutes

Back in May 2024, we talked about our commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040 and how we’re using carbon offsetting while we get there. Now, we’re back with an update on our progress and a closer look at some of the amazing projects we’re supporting.

A quick refresher

But first, in case you missed it, carbon offsetting is all about balancing out the carbon dioxide (CO₂) we produce. We do this by investing in projects that reduce or remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. It’s a bit like taking one step back and then two steps forward: it’s hard to produce no CO₂, but we can at least try to make up for it with our carbon offsetting activity.

These projects can include things like planting trees (which absorb CO₂ as they grow), investing in renewable energy (like solar or wind power, which produce clean energy without releasing CO₂), or supporting sustainable farming practices (which help to improve soil and reduce emissions from agriculture).

Our carbon footprint

At Zen, we believe in being open and honest about our environmental impact. In the last year, our total emissions were 15,146 tonnes of CO₂e. This figure includes emissions from various sources, categorised into different ‘scopes’:

Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources we own or control, such as the fuel we use in our vehicles.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the energy we buy, like the gas we use in our offices.
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions that occur in our value chain, including those produced by our suppliers.

Now, the majority of those emissions are in the Scope 3 category. And there’s little we can do to directly influence those numbers. We’ll keep encouraging our partners and suppliers (as all responsible businesses should) to do everything they can to reduce their own emissions.

We’ll never truly get close to net zero as a society until everybody has played their part. But in the meantime, that’s why other carbon reduction steps are vitally important.

Evolving our approach

Over the years, we’ve supported various carbon offsetting projects, from fuel-efficient cookstoves to solar power. Now, we’re focusing on a mix of high-quality carbon removal and reduction projects. This means investing in projects that not only cut down on CO₂ emissions but also actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

In the last financial year (October 2023 to September 2024), we focused our efforts on these impactful projects:

Biochar in Namibia: This project transforms unwanted bushes into biochar, a charcoal-like substance that’s incredibly beneficial for the soil. It helps to improve soil health, increase water retention, and promote nutrient absorption by plants. But that’s not all! Biochar also plays a vital role locking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and preventing it from contributing to climate change.
Gula Gula food forest programme: In Indonesia, we’re helping to restore degraded land by planting diverse food forests. By restoring tree cover, we’re helping to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and increase water retention. This project not only benefits the environment but also provides local communities with a sustainable source of nutritious food and income.
Manica Province safe water projects: Access to safe water is a basic human right, and this project in Mozambique is helping to make that a reality. By rehabilitating and installing boreholes, we’re providing communities with a reliable source of clean water. This not only improves health and hygiene but also reduces the need to boil water, which in turn reduces CO₂ emissions. It’s a fantastic example of how social and environmental benefits can go hand-in-hand.

Our ongoing commitment to people and the planet

We’re constantly exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact and support projects that make a real difference. We’re proud to be a B Corp and are committed to using business as a force for good.

Want to learn more about our sustainability efforts? Keep an eye on our blog posts here, and visit visit our websiteour website for all the details. And remember, even small changes in our daily lives can help reduce our carbon footprints. Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet.