No greenwashing: setting and managing credible corporate climate objectives

Between posture and strategy: laying the right foundations

Communicating about carbon neutrality or zero net emissions without taking concrete action means running the risk of being accused of greenwashing.

For every company, the credibility of its climate objectives depends on the implementation of a rigorous methodology, aligned with science and adapted to its sector. Frameworks such as the GHG Protocol, the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), the Stratégie Nationale Bas-Carbone (SNBC) and the Climate Resilience Act have become essential tools for structuring climate strategy and transition plans in full compliance with regulations, the only tangible reference in France.

An environmental goal always begins with :

• • The definition of a clear scope of analysis: scopes 1, 2, 3 (direct emissions, significant indirect emissions, and emissions linked to the value chain). Mastery of each scope is essential if environmental action is to take center stage,
  • An initial BEGES, compliant with standards (ISO 14064, ISO 14 067, ISO 14083), and covering all sources of GHG emissions, to provide a clear picture of the organization's energy footprint and pressure.
  • Theintegration of sector-specific issues: mobility, energy, purchasing, logistics, raw materials, etc., as well as all activities linked to business development, ....

Collecting accurate, detailed data on the company's carbon footprint and all its activities is essential, as is complying with the requirements of the French National Low Carbon Strategy. Commitment to environmental sustainability also requires greater transparency. The expectations of financial institutions, customers and stakeholders alike call for full transparency on balance sheets, emissions and low-carbon transition plans.

This is what Global Climate Initiatives (GCI) is proposing, with an internationally recognized platform enabling all organizations - from VSEs, SMEs and ETIs to large private and public companies - to carry out their GHG assessment independently, and to secure and manage their transition plan, the expression of their low-carbon strategy.

Define a trajectory in line with actual emissions

Carrying out a GHG assessment is only of value if it is the first step in a concrete corporate transition plan, with clear, measurable emission reduction targets.

For companies, an analysis of the main emissions categories (scope 1, 2, 3) and the identification of reduction action levers enable them to build a credible transition plan.

Key points of the approach :

• Prioritize actions according to their reduction potential
• Setting climate targets in line with a recognized trajectory (SBTi, SNBC)
• Prioritize decarbonization of purchasing, energy transition and eco-design,
• Integrateclimate change adaptation and resilience into its strategic roadmap

To set and achieve ambitious targets, companies also need to engage their value chain: suppliers, subcontractors, partners, etc.

Involving all stakeholders in the reduction of GHG emissions is a prerequisite for achieving our objectives.

This collective mobilization is a unifying force: it is an asset in meeting the challenges of climate change and strengthening the long-term viability of our business.

The GCI platform includes a " Decarbo'Target® " module, a turnkey solution for organizing and managing an ambitious and credible low-carbon transition plan: prioritize actions on the main sources of emissions, ensure fine-tuned management of your climate strategy, commit to reduction targets in line with the requirements of the SBTi (Science Based Target initiative) and the SNBC.

This three-dimensional approach (involving internal resources as well as partners and suppliers) makes possible a credible, data-driven transition, supported by a clear vision of action plans with a clearly identified impact .

Managing and communicating commitments over the long term

Keeping to our climate commitments and proving that we have effectively reduced our emissions requires us to regularly monitor, adjust and communicate our performance. Long-term commitment, year after year, is the key to success.

Dashboards and dynamic indicators are essential for verifying and improving the impact of our actions, and for monitoring the trajectory of our climate objectives in order to come as close as possible to carbon neutrality in the long term. Integrating energy-related issues into these analyses reinforces the relevance of monitoring.

Areas of success :

• Dynamic monitoring of indicators (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, stakeholder involvement, avoided emissions, constant approach to carbon neutrality), with a stronger link to the principles of decarbonation)
• Reporting in line with regulatory, sector and financial institution requirements, often inspired by Ademe guidelines,
• Training and mobilizing teams around the challenges of sustainable development and adaptation to climate change, as part of a global transition initiative,
• Transparent communication on our strategy, the evolution of our GHG footprint and the progress of our climate objectives.

Action on significant indirect emissions, the valuation of avoided emissions, the possible integration of carbon sinks, and the consideration of long-term adaptation scenarios, demonstrate the level of maturity and sincerity of an ambitious climate strategy.

GCI offers a complete range of tools(Decarbo'Solution®), support and awareness modules (training, webinars), interactive management solutions, and detailed, automated reports.

The deliverables are immediately usable in Transition Plans and CSR reports. They seriously document the company's commitments and trajectory, thus reassuring financial institutions and stakeholders of the reality of the implementation of a sustainable low-carbon trajectory, anchored in a logic of structured and sustainable development.