Calculating Your Carbon Footprint: A Tactical Tool
๐ฌ Interview with Emmanuel Beaurepaire, Founder and Shareholder of Recyโstem Pro
Could you please introduce yourself and describe your business?
My name is Emmanuel Beaurepaire, and I am one of the founders of Recyโstem Pro. Recyโstem Proโs objective and corporate mission is to help companies fulfill their obligations regarding the collection and removal of end-of-life products, as well as their reporting requirements to the producersโ registry, which is managed by the government. Initially, our business focused heavily on waste management and coordinating with operators, but over time, our role has evolved into that of an agent.
So we still act as an intermediary, particularly for companies that place products on the market but do not have legal representation in France. That covers the historical background of end-of-life product management, encompassing all sectors: furniture, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and rechargeable batteries, and the other Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) sectors that are currently being introduced, particularly those involving construction products and materials.
How does a carbon footprint assessment contribute to a companyโs โCSRโ strategy?
Carbon footprint assessments, emissions measurement, and measures to mitigate their effects are now required and must be incorporated into the certification requirements outlined in the specifications of eco-organizations. We work with individual producers who operate outside the eco-organizations. Government authorities have tremendous leverage because every entity placing end-of-life products on the market that falls under these systems is now required to report the quantities it places on the market, the quantities it collects, and the quantities it recycles. Public authorities have realized that this provides leverage to say: if youโre already doing all of this, it would be helpful if you could provide us with data on the CO2 emissions of all your members so that the eco-organization can gradually step in and propose solutions.
On the one hand, at the level of each of their members to reduce carbon emissions, and on the other hand, to present aggregated data at the level of each eco-organization on the actual quantities produced. This will provide real insight into the waste sector, which generates negative climate-related externalities, and will allow us to examineโin terms of both transportation and the recycling and reuse of materialsโthe actual quantities produced by these producers.
Why did you choose the GCI platform?
Recyโstem Pro chose the GCI platform because itโs an easy-to-use platform that allows any expert to enter our membersโ data; so we actually help themโbased on the information we ask forโto fill out their questionnaire directly on the GCI platform.
We then provide them with all the data, which allows them to include it in their reportsโwhatever those may be, including their companyโs environmental report or CSR report.
Why did you become a GCI expert?
I became a GCI expert because itโs a logical progression given my area of expertise. I had written a book on implementing the principle of extended producer responsibility for waste; today, that responsibility goes far beyond that. It now extends to carbon emissions, which is why I joined this initiative. In addition, I am currently completing an Executive MBA in ecological and energy transition, so it made perfect sense to join this platform and become an expert.
How long did it take and how much did it cost to conduct your company's carbon footprint assessment?
As for Recyโstem Pro, we completed our GCI assessment. It took us an hour because weโre a service company, so we have few activities that generate CO2 emissions. So it was very quick to complete, and the cost of this service is about 500 euros, which is quite reasonable. Itโs something weโre now using with our member clients to lead by example and encourage them to do the same.
What would you say to an entrepreneur to convince them to calculate their carbon footprint?
Given what weโve just been throughโthe health crisis and the economic crisisโevery business leader must assess their carbon footprint. This information is essential for them to understand the reality of their emissions and, above all, to implement measures to reduce them!
Itโs hard to do things any other way these days because, in any case, if they donโt do it voluntarily today, theyโll be forced to do it tomorrowโwith restrictions and possibly financial penaltiesโso I urge all distributors, manufacturers, and artisans to calculate their carbon footprint. Itโs very simple with this tool, and it doesnโt cost much!