Understanding the sources of CO₂e emissions

To develop effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to understand the different sources of these releases. CO₂e emissions can be classified into two main categories: direct emissions and indirect emissions.

 📊 Direct and indirect emissions

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are classified into three categories, called scopes, which distinguish the sources of emissions associated with an organization's activities:

• • Scope 1 Direct emissions : These emissions come from sources owned or controlled directly by the organization. They include, for example, the combustion of fossil fuels in fixed installations (such as boilers) or mobile installations (company vehicles), as well as industrial processes emitting GHGs.
  • Scope 2 Indirect energy emissions: These are emissions associated with the production of electricity, heat or steam purchased and consumed by the organization. Although these emissions occur outside the company's boundaries, they are attributable to its electricity consumption.
  • Scope 3 Other indirect emissions: This category covers all other indirect emissions resulting from the organization's activities. These include, for example, emissions linked to the production of goods and services purchased, upstream and downstream transport, business travel, the use of products sold, and waste management.

🏗️ The main sectors concerned

Several sectors are responsible for the majority of CO₂e emissions in France. Identifying these sectors is crucial to targeting reduction efforts.

• • 🚛 Transport: This sector is the main emitter of greenhouse gases in France, accounting for around a third of national emissions. Emissions come mainly from private vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and air transport. To meet climate targets, the French government is aiming for a 31% reduction in transport emissions between 2022 and 2030.
• • 🏭 Industry: French industry makes a significant contribution to CO₂e emissions, notably through the production of cement, steel and chemicals.
• • 👷 Buildings: The residential and tertiary segment generates emissions mainly due to the heating of buildings, particularly those using oil- or gas-fired boilers. Replacing these systems with more environmentally-friendly solutions, such as heat pumps, is encouraged to reduce the carbon footprint in this area.
• • 🌾 Agriculture: Although less of an emitter in terms of CO₂, the agricultural sector is responsible for other greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers and promoting agro-ecological practices are measures being considered to cut these emissions.

Understanding the distinction between direct and indirect emissions, as well as identifying the main emitting sectors, is fundamental to developing effective climate policies and achieving CO₂e emissions reduction targets in France.

Levers for reducing CO₂e emissions

🚗 Mobility and low-carbon transport

• Promoting public transport and soft mobility: Encouraging the use of public transport, cycling and walking reduces emissions linked to individual travel. The French government has set new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.

• Fleet electrification: Replacing combustion-powered vehicles with electric ones reduces CO₂e emissions. French companies, such as those involved in the Climate Act, are committed to reducing their carbon footprint by adopting fleets of electric vehicles.

♻️ Circular economy and resource optimization

• Waste reduction and recycling: Establishing industrial processes aimed at minimizing waste and promoting recycling helps to reduce emissions linked to the manufacture of new materials. These practices limit emissions into the atmosphere while preserving water resources, as demonstrated by the European Union's environmental policies.

• Use of sustainable materials: Choosing materials with a low carbon footprint in the building sector - whether for construction, renovation or the manufacture of the components used (insulation, joinery, cladding, etc.) - can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European regulatory framework, notably through the Directive on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, imposes strict requirements in this area. The impact is far from negligible: in Europe, the building sector is responsible for around 40% of CO₂e emissions.

• Outlook for France and Europe: The gradual replacement of coal by renewable energies, encouraged by European policies, is contributing to this transition. France, like its European neighbors, must reconcile economic development with environmental protection, particularly of water resources.

These efforts are part of a worldwide drive to reduce emissions. The European Union is playing a pioneering role in this field, with ambitious climate targets that take account of the origin of emissions, whether they come from local manufacturing or imports.