GHG Assessments of Public Enterprises: An Essential Guide to the Environmental Transition

Definition and Objectives of the GHG Assessment

The GHG Assessment, developed by the Association Bilan Carbone (ABC), is a method for measuring the greenhouse gas emissions generated by an organization. These emissions are assessed across ten categories covering all of the company’s activities, such as:

🔋Energy consumption (fossil fuels, electricity, heat).

🚚 The movement of employees and goods.

🛒 Purchases of goods and services.

🗑️ Waste management and industrial processes.

♻️ The use and end-of-life of the products sold.

The main objective of the GHG Assessment is to assess a company’senvironmental footprint in order to identify the main sources of emissions and set priorities for action.

This approach is essential to actively contribute to achieving national decarbonization goals.

Why is it essential for public companies?

Public institutions have a dual responsibility:

🌍 Environmental Leadership As major players in the economy, they must lead by example and inspire other organizations. By conducting their GHG inventories, they actively contribute to the goals set by the Paris Agreement, which aim to limit the rise in temperature by 2100.

📜 Compliance with regulatory requirements: local governments with more than 50,000 residents, and public institutions and other legal entities governed by public law with more than 250 employees. The GHG Inventoryis one of the requirements.

A tool for integrating CSR and achieving carbon neutrality

By conducting a GHG assessment, public agencies strengthen their corporate social responsibility efforts . This process enables them to:

• Identify their operations that generate the most GHG emissions and prioritize initiatives to reduce them.
• Develop a concrete, cost-based approach to help achieve carbon neutrality, in line with European and national commitments.
• To improve their image among the general public, partners, and stakeholders.

In addition, a well-conducted GHG assessment can reveal opportunities for cost optimization, particularly in the areas of consumption, waste management, and logistics.

These economic benefits, combined with a reduced environmental footprint, make it an indispensable tool for public entities committed to the transition to sustainable solutions.

How do you conduct a GHG inventory for a public company?

The methodology for conducting a GHG assessmentis based on well-defined steps that provide a framework for analyzing greenhouse gases. These steps are as follows:

1️⃣ Project Scope

This initial step involves defining the objectives of the assessment (emissions reduction, raising awareness, legal compliance, etc.) and the necessary resources. It also involves selecting the analysis period (usually one year) and setting priorities with stakeholders.

2️⃣ Defining the scope of the study

The scope determines:

🏢 Organizational boundaries (e.g., headquarters, branches, subsidiaries…).

⚙️ Operational boundaries, categorized according to the GHG Protocol’s scopes:

• • Scope 1: Direct emissions (fuel combustion).
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions related to energy (electricity, heat, etc.).
  • Scope 3: Indirect upstream and downstream emissions (travel, freight, supplies, etc.).

3️⃣ Stakeholder Engagement

Effective engagement of internal and external stakeholders is essential to ensure that the information collected is comprehensive and of high quality. This step involves raising awareness among the relevant departments (procurement, logistics, finance, etc.) and defining roles.

4️⃣ Data Collection

Once the scope has been defined, the next step is to gather the necessary information:

⚡ Energy consumption (electricity, gas, fuels, etc.).

🚗 Business travel and commuting.

📦 Procurement of goods and services.

🗑️ Waste management.

Physical measurements (volumes, distances, weights) should be prioritized to ensure accurate results.

5️⃣ Accounting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The collected data is converted into GHG emissions using emission factors from recognized databases, such asADEME’s Empreinte database. This calculation converts each activity into metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e).

6️⃣ Analysis of the Results

Emissions are broken down by scope to identify the largest sources of emissions and prioritize actions. This detailed analysis helps us understand where to focus our reduction efforts.

7️⃣ Developing an action plan

Based on the results, an action plan is developed, including:

📉 Reducing energy consumption.

🔋 The use of low-carbon solutions.

🤝 Suppliers' commitment to reducing indirect emissions.

Regular monitoring and updates to the assessment make it possible to adjust strategies and measure progress.

Alternatives to the GHG Assessment

Although the GHG Inventory is a standard tool for assessing greenhouse gases (GHGs), there are several alternatives tailored to the needs of public entities.

These tools ensure accurate accounting of air pollutants while meeting specific regulatory or methodological requirements.

1️⃣ The BEGES (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory)

In France, the BEGES is a regulatory requirement for:

• Companies with more than 500 employees.
• Local governments and public institutions that exceed a certain level of activity.

Based on methodologies validated byADEME, BEGES offers a standardized approach for measuring, analyzing, and reporting emissions.

It offers an attractive alternative for public entities seeking to comply with their legal obligations while developing a structured environmental approach.

2️⃣ International Standards and Certifications

International standards provide globally recognized methodological frameworks for calculating and managing greenhouse gas impacts:

• ISO 14064-1: This standard provides a precise methodology for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It also ensures the transparency and consistency of the data.
• PAS 2050: useful for assessing the environmental impact of products and services.

These standards are particularly well-suited for organizations seeking certification or operating on an international scale.

3️⃣ Digital Tools and Databases

There are many digital solutions that make it easier to assess and manage GHG impacts:

• 💻 Specialized software: It automates data collection, performs emissions calculations, and generates detailed reports.
• 📊 Emissions databases: Like ADEME’s “Empreinte” database, they provide up-to-date emissions factors to ensure the reliability of calculations.

These tools offer an effective alternative for public organizations with limited resources or those seeking to streamline their accounting processes.

Real-world examples: initiatives by public companies

To illustrate how a GHG inventory can lead to concrete actions, here are some examples of successful initiatives by public agencies and municipalities:

• RATP and “Bus 2025”: The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) has committed to converting 100% of its bus fleet to cleaner energy sources, particularly electric and biomethane, thereby contributing to the electrification and decarbonization of urban transportation by 2025.
  Thanks to this ambitious project, 4,700 environmentally friendly buses will replace diesel vehicles, reducing air pollution. By 2024, more than 2,000 electric and biomethane buses were already in service in the Île-de-France region.

• An organization in the energy sector has reduced its energy-related air pollution by installing solar panels at its sites. A notable example is that of EDF, which has rolled out large-scale solar projects to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. EDF has also contributed to initiatives to encourage the transition to renewable energy on a national scale and has incorporated decarbonization methods into its CSR policy.

• • Some municipalities have implemented sustainable mobility plans to limit the use of gasoline-powered cars for commutes, helping to reduce air pollution. For example, the city of Parishas developed an ambitious sustainable mobility plan that prioritizes public transportation and cycling infrastructure.

These examples show that a well-conducted GHG inventorycan lead to concrete actions and measurable results, while complying with regulations.

Contribution to the Ecological Transition

By conducting a GHG inventory, public entities and nonprofit organizations align themselves with the goals ofthe Paris Agreement and European commitments to limit air pollution. They actively contribute to:

• Reducing climate impact: By identifying priority initiatives—such as in daily transportation (rapid electrification of the vehicle fleet) and in freight (electrification of roads)—they reduce their contribution to global warming.

• • Building a low-carbon economy: Public institutions play a leading role in promoting best practices among private-sector entities and local governments.

These initiatives do not only involve the company itself, but also engage its partners, suppliers, and employees in a collective effort to reduce emissions across the entire value chain.

Decarbo’Solution®: A Partner to Help You Go Further

At Decarbo’Solution®, we understand that every public-sector organization faces unique challenges in integrating climate footprint reduction into its day-to-day operations. That’s why we offer tailored support and innovative solutions tailored to your needs, to help you successfully develop your climate strategy.

Our services to go beyond the GHG Assessment:

 🔍 Development and Monitoring of GHG InventoriesWe support public sector stakeholders at every stage of their process:

• • Data Collection and Analysis: Using advanced digital tools, we streamline the management of data related to your energy consumption, transportation, and supply chains.
  • GHG Emissions Calculation: We use the ABC GHG Inventory guidelines, but we are also able to perform calculations in accordance with international standards such asISO 14064-1, the GHG Protocol methodology, or the mandatory BEGES standard to ensure an accurate, reliable analysis tailored to your needs.
  • Strategic Action Plan: Our experts help you identify concrete ways to reduce your carbon footprint and prioritize your efforts.🌍

 🌱 Decarbon’Achat®: a unique solution to manage your indirect emissions and engage your suppliers.

Indirect emissions (Scope 3), which often stem from purchases and supply chains, can account for a significant portion of a public company’s air pollutants. With our Decarbon’Achat® solution, we help you:

• Assess the carbon footprint of your suppliers' and service providers' products or services.
• Use these carbon weights in your own carbon footprint calculation
• Incorporate environmental criteria into your requests for proposals and contracts.
• Work with your partners to reduce their air pollutants and improve the overall performance of your value chain.

This unique solution enables you to transform your procurement practices into a strategic tool for achieving your climate goals while complying with regulatory requirements.

   🌍 CSR and Energy Transition Consulting

In addition to the GHG Assessment, Decarbo’Solution® offers dedicated services to help you organize and strengthen your Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives:

• Developing Your CSR Strategy to Incorporate Climate Considerations
• Design and implementation of long-term strategies to reduce yourenergy consumption and optimize your operations.
• Raise awareness and provide training for your employees to engage all stakeholders in your environmental goals.

  ⚖️ Planning for Future Regulations

With our expertise in regulatory frameworks, such as the CSRD, we help you:

• Remain compliant with current requirements.
• Anticipating Upcoming Legislative Changes