Conducting a GHG inventory: the first essential step in a company’s decarbonization process

🌿 Decarbonization and its goals:

Decarbonization refers to the commitment to take measures aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from a company, an industry, or a country.

This initiative focuses primarily on reducing the consumption of primary energy sources—such as oil, natural gas, and coal—which are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. It advocates for their gradual replacement with renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, biomass, and solar power, which are known for their significantly lower carbon footprint. The use of non-carbon-based energy sources, such as nuclear power, is also a viable option for achieving carbon neutrality goals.

📃 France's National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC)

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is proving to be an effective way to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions, thereby helping to combat global warming. However, it is crucial to note that simply replacing energy sources is not enough; reducing energy consumption remains just as essential.

In France, the National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC), established in 2015, provides a roadmap to guide the transition toward a low-carbon, circular, and sustainable economy across all sectors. It has two main goals: to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to reduce the carbon footprint of French consumer spending.

To that end, four objectives have been defined:

• decarbonize electricity generation,
• cut energy consumption in half,
• reduce non-energy-related emissions
• increase carbon sinks.

Decarbonization is therefore an urgent necessity, enabling companies to address environmental challenges while maintaining their economic performance. This is particularly important forindustry, which is responsible for approximately 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in France. Through these actions, organizations actively contribute to mitigating climate change, thereby playing an essential role in building a more sustainable future.

☁️ The Stages of Decarbonization and the Role of the GHG Inventory

Decarbonizing a business is a process that requires time and effective planning.

According to ADEME, four key steps are necessary for successful decarbonization:

1. Conduct an inventory
2. Developing a Strategy
3. Taking Action to Decarbonize the Industry
4. Evaluate and Certify Your Approach

For a comprehensive assessment of emissions—one that goes beyond an energy audit—a comprehensive GHG inventory remains the most appropriate tool.

🚀 The Decarbo’Solution® platform, which is available to all types of organizations, facilitates this GHG inventory in full compliance with recognized regulations, standards, and methodologies (ISO 14064-1, GHG Protocol, Bilan Carbone, Grenelle II Act).

Since the decree of July 1, 2022, a comprehensive corporate carbon footprint assessment has been based on six emission categories, making it possible to analyze the impact of business activities on the climate and to prioritize reduction measures:

• Direct Emissions (Scope 1 Equivalent)
• Indirect Energy-Related Emissions (Scope 2 Equivalent)
• Indirect Emissions Associated with Transportation (Scope 3 Equivalent)
• Indirect Emissions Associated with Purchased Products (Scope 3 Equivalent)
• Indirect Emissions Associated with Products Sold (Scope 3 Equivalent)
• Other Indirect Emissions (Scope 3 Equivalent)

Once emissions have been identified and reduced, voluntary offsetting may be considered through participation in carbon offset projects or carbon contributions.

🌍 Raising Awareness of Emissions and Opportunities for Reduction

To limit its emissions and reduce its carbon footprint, a company must rethink and modernize its processes. Although combating climate change may seem complex, it remains essential to ensuring the long-term viability of businesses today.

A first step is to improve the company’s energy efficiency. This includes initiatives such as heat recovery, building renovations, the use of more energy-efficient equipment, and the installation of higher-performance equipment.

One alternative is to switch to different energy sources. Replacing carbon-based primary energy sources with cleaner ones sets the company on the path to decarbonization. It is imperative to reduce the use of fossil fuels as much as possible in favor of lower-carbon energy sources, such as renewable energy or nuclear power.

The electrification of industrial processes plays a key role, particularly in various industrial sectors, by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It is worth noting that in France, 87% of the electricity generated in 2022 came from carbon-free sources, according to RTE.

💬 Pierre Montagne, president of Terneo, an energy consulting firm.

Pierre Montagne, President of Terneo, an energy consultancy for local authorities and businesses, shares his experience of using carbon footprints.

💬 Cécile Suquet, CSR Manager at LCL

Cécile Suquet, CSR Manager at LCL, highlights LCL's commitment to combating climate change.