Carbon Neutral Symbol

The universal symbol of carbon neutrality, or Carbon Neutral Symbol, is a free and freely-licensed (CC0) symbol that can be used by anyone to communicate that something is carbon neutral.

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Meaning

When the Symbol is displayed in an organisation’s material or alongside a product, it is claiming to be carbon neutral (also known as having net zero emissions). That means:

  • The organisation or product’s carbon footprint has been measured using an appropriately accurate method.
  • Bold action has been taken, and is continually taken, to reduce that footprint.
  • The remaining carbon footprint has been, and continues to be, fully offset through verified carbon credits.

The symbol implies that these activities have taken place with respect to a period no more than one year ago; of at least one year in length (or less only if such a duration would extend before the organisation/product’s inception); and that is part of a continuous ongoing cycle of carbon measurement, reduction and offsetting activities.

Design

The Symbol combines a bold letter C, the chemical symbol for carbon, with a slashed zero. The slash appears to cut the C, reducing or cancelling it. The shape also evokes both a globe and a clock, reminding us that carbon reduction is both important and urgent.

The Symbol was created by an independent designer in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and released publicly on Earth Day 2025 (22 April). To keep the Symbol independent of any specific commercial interest, the designer wishes to remain anonymous.