Carbon plan: how to structure your reduction targets and actions?
1.1 Regulatory context and international commitments
1.2 Benefits for the company (competitiveness, image, compliance)
2. Key stages in building an effective emissions reduction program
2.1 Identifying sources of emissions (Scopes 1, 2, 3) / Drawing up a GHG balance sheet
2.2 Raising awareness and mobilizing your team
2.3 Defining concrete ambitions and action plans
2.4 Define a carbon trajectory (performance monitoring and reporting)
Why draw up a carbon plan?
📜 Regulatory context and international commitments
Companies are increasingly faced with regulatory obligations to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In France, the Grenelle II law requires structures with more than 500 employees in mainland France to carry out a Bilan Carbone® every four years. What's more, the European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requires structures with more than 250 employees to publish a non-financial report by January 2025.
At international level, the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to less than 2°C by 2100, which implies a reduction in GHG emissions of at least 50% by 2030.
💼 Benefits for the company (competitiveness, image, compliance)
Developing a low-carbon strategy has several advantages for companies:
- Boosting competitiveness: Decarbonization helps to optimize processes and reduce operating costs, especially energy-related costs. Action on energy efficiency can generate potential savings of 10 to 25% on energy bills(source).
- Regulatory compliance: Complying with legal obligations, such as carrying out a Bilan Carbone®, avoids financial penalties of up to €50,000, or even €100,000 in the event of a repeat offence(source).
- Access to financing and subsidies: Financial institutions favor companies committed to sustainable practices, facilitating access to green financing, public subsidies and tax incentives.
- Attractiveness for talent: Employees are often proud to work for a responsible company committed to environmental protection, which can improve employee loyalty and satisfaction.
- Improved brand image: Consumers are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues. A company committed to reducing its carbon footprint strengthens its credibility and attracts environmentally conscious customers(source).
In short, developing a decarbonization approach is not only a response to regulatory and international requirements, but also a strategic opportunity for companies to improve their overall performance, image and competitiveness in the marketplace.
The 7 advantages of carrying out your company's GHG assessment.
Key stages in building an effective emissions reduction program
🔍 Identifying sources of emissions (Scopes 1, 2, 3) / Drawing up a GHG balance sheet
The first step in developing effective decarbonization initiatives is to carry out a GHG assessment to identify the company's sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions are classified into three categories:
- Scope 1: These are direct emissions produced by the company, such as fuel combustion in company vehicles or emissions linked to industrial processes.
- Scope 2: This scope covers indirect energy-related emissions, notably those resulting from the production of electricity, heat or steam purchased and consumed by the company.
- Scope 3: This covers other indirect emissions, such as those associated with the supply chain, business travel, the use of products sold and waste management.
To carry out this assessment, we recommend following the Bilan Carbone® method developed by ADEME, which provides a structured approach to quantifying GHG emissions.
🎯 Raising awareness and mobilizing your team
The success of a low-carbon strategy depends on the involvement of all employees. It is essential to make them aware of climate issues and inform them about the company's carbon footprint. Actions such as training workshopsworkshops seminars or internal communication campaigns can be set up to mobilize teams.
📊 Define concrete ambitions and action plan
Once the sources of emissions have been identified and the teams mobilized, it is crucial to define clear and ambitious reduction targets. These commitments must be aligned with international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, and adapted to the company's specific context. For example, a company might aim to reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030(source).
To achieve these targets, a detailed strategy must be drawn up, including specific measures such as :
⚡ Improving energy efficiency: optimizing processes to consume less energy.
🌞 Transition to renewable energy sources: adopting clean energies to reduce carbon footprint.
🔄 S upply chainoptimization : selecting suppliers committed to sustainable practices.
🚲 Promoting sustainable mobility: encouraging the use of environmentally-friendly modes of transport for business travel.
It is important that this approach is integrated into the company's overall strategy, and that it enjoys the support of top management.
📈 Define a carbon trajectory (performance monitoring and reporting)
Once the strategy is in place, it is essential to regularly monitor performance to ensure that the commitments for a reduction are met. This involves setting up a reporting system to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. For example, some companies are adopting low-carbon trajectories aligned with the recommendations of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).(source)
This monitoring must be transparent and communicated to stakeholders, notably via annual reports or dedicated publications, in order to demonstrate the company's commitment to the climate transition.
In conclusion, developing an effective low-carbon strategy requires a structured approach, from the identification of emission sources to the definition of ambitious targets and the implementation of rigorous monitoring. This approach enables the company to make an active contribution to the fight against climate change, while strengthening its competitiveness and image.
Comment Decarbo’Solution® (Decarbo’Solution®) accompagne les entreprises dans leur plan de réduction carbone ?
Decarbo’Solution® (Decarbo’Solution®) propose une gamme complète de services pour aider les structures à élaborer et mettre en œuvre des stratégies efficaces de baisse de leurs émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES).🛠️ Tools and methodologies
Decarbo’Solution® met à disposition des solutions modulables et personnalisables qui facilitent la réalisation de bilans GES conformes aux normes internationales. Ces dispositifs comprennent des questionnaires adaptés à différents secteurs d’activité et tailles d’entreprises, garantissant une collecte de données précise et pertinente. La plateforme est conçue pour être conviviale, permettant même aux néophytes de s’approprier rapidement les fonctionnalités grâce à des formations vidéo de deux heures. De plus, elle offre une compatibilité multi-utilisateurs, favorisant le travail collaboratif au sein des équipes.
📌 Case studies and testimonials
De nombreuses entreprises ont bénéficié de l’expertise de Decarbo’Solution® pour leur transition vers une économie bas-carbone. Par exemple, Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O) a collaboré avec Decarbo’Solution® pour évaluer l’empreinte carbone de ses événements, démontrant ainsi son engagement envers la durabilité. De même, le Groupe Schmidt a réussi à impliquer 80% de ses fournisseurs dans sa démarche de diminution des émissions, illustrant l’efficacité des solutions proposées par Decarbo’Solution®.
Schmidt Group
Christophe CHRISTEN
Purchasing Methods Manager
The Schmidt Group is France's leading manufacturer of made-to-measure kitchens, storage units and bathrooms.
Pour concrétiser ses engagements, le groupe a choisi un partenaire innovant, spécialisé dans la décarbonation des Achats, avec une solution collaborative : Decarbo’Solution®.
French Badminton Federation
Benjamin GRIZBEC
Bad & Handicap / Eco-responsibility Project Manager
La Fédération Française de Badminton (FFBaD) a choisi Decarbo’Solution® pour évaluer l’empreinte carbone de ses activités, dans le cadre de son engagement en faveur de la performance sociale.
This dynamic partnership continues with the GHG inventory of 20 affiliated clubs, marking a significant step in the transition to a sustainable approach within the federation.
🌱 In addition: carbon offsetting/contribution
Outre la baisse des émissions, Decarbo’Solution® accompagne les entreprises dans leurs démarches de compensation carbone. Cela inclut des projets certifiés qui permettent aux organisations de compenser leurs émissions résiduelles en investissant dans des initiatives écologiques, contribuant ainsi à la neutralité carbone.
En somme, Decarbo’Solution® offre un accompagnement complet aux structures, de l’évaluation précise des émissions à la mise en œuvre de stratégies de baisse et de compensation, renforçant ainsi leur compétitivité tout en répondant aux exigences réglementaires et aux attentes sociétales.
Implementing a low-carbon strategy is now a necessity for all companies wishing to take part in the climate transition process and meet the regulatory, economic and environmental challenges.
Thanks to a structured approach - from the identification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the implementation of a clear and measurable process - it is possible to significantly reduce one's carbon footprint while improving one's competitiveness and brand image.
Avec des outils adaptés et un accompagnement personnalisé, Decarbo’Solution® (Decarbo’Solution®) aide les organisations à structurer leur stratégie bas carbone et à atteindre leurs objectifs de diminution. De la réalisation d’un bilan GES aux actions de compensation carbone, Decarbo’Solution® permet à une organisation d’avancer efficacement vers la neutralité carbone et d’anticiper les futures réglementations, notamment en lien avec l’ADEME, la DPEF, et les normes ISO.
Committing today to a national low-carbon strategy is an opportunity for all structures in France and Europe. It's time to act for a more sustainable future!
Our carbon experts will be happy to give you a free free demonstration of our platform. 🚀
Sources
- https://www.cci.fr/ressources/developpement-durable/la-decarbonation-levier-de-performance-et-de-competitivite
- https://climate.selectra.com/fr/entreprises/bilan-carbone
- https://www.lyon-metropole.cci.fr/notre-blog/bilan-carbone-9-avantages-pour-votre-entreprise
- https://www.agenda-2030.fr/17-objectifs-de-developpement-durable/article/odd13-prendre-d-urgence-des-mesures-pour-lutter-contre-les-changements?#:~:text=Concr%C3%A8tement%2C%20l objective%20of%20the%20neutrality%C3%A9%20carbon%20by%202050.
- https://www.bl-evolution.com/comment-mettre-en-place-une-trajectoire-de-reduction-compatible-avec-les-objectifs-du-sbti/