Carbon offsetting is a key mechanism for mitigating the effects of global warming. However, it is essential to have a clear understanding of these concepts and their limits. Their differences are a subject of growing debate. Traditionally, carbon offsetting involves investing in carbon reduction or sequestration projects to compensate for residual emissions.
For example, a company emitting 2,500 tonnes of CO2 can offset this amount by financing projects that reduce or capture the same quantity of CO2.
However, the term "carbon contribution" is preferable, as it emphasizes the importance of contributing to collective carbon neutrality rather than simply offsetting one's own emissions. It highlights the need to reduce emissions at source rather than simply offsetting them. This distinction is crucial for more robust and sustainable climate action.
Framing 0 emission communication
In France, from January 1, 2023, a decree of the Climate Law to rigorously regulate the use of the terms "Net Zero", "Net Zero", "Net Zero" and "Net Zero". carbon-neutral" or by products, services or companies.
This decree requires that any entity using these terms communicates on its footprint carbon Scope 1, 2 and 3, to implement a reduction plan in line with the Paris agreements, has already achieved effective reductions, and details the origin of the carbon credits financed, segmented into three price categories. However, the influential organizations such as Ademe and Carbone4 dispute the scientific validity of these claims. As a result, In France, it is recommended to use the terminology "contributing to collective carbon neutrality". "In addition, we have demonstrated a high level of ambition in terms of emissions reduction, concrete achievements and the financing of carbon credits.
Some players, mainly in the English-speaking world, claim to be "This means they finance more tons of CO2 than their own footprint. In France, La Poste made an early commitment by accounting for and reducing its emissions. Thanks to its financial support for various carbon contribution projects, La Poste has been contributing to collective carbon neutrality since 2012, setting itself apart as a forerunner with the financing of French Label Bas Carbone projects.
What is carbon offsetting?
Carbon offsetting reduces the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the climate by financing projects that help reduce or sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Here are some of the main objectives of carbon offsetting:
- Reducing emissions : Carbon offset projects support initiatives that reduce GHG emissions, for example by promoting renewable energies, improving energy efficiency, or encouraging carbon capture and storage.
- Carbon sequestration : Some projects aim to capture and store CO2 from the atmosphere, usually through reforestation, forest conservation, or other sustainable agricultural practices that promote the accumulation of carbon in the soil or biomass.
- Offsetting residual emissions : For GHG emissions that cannot be avoided, carbon offsetting enables individuals, companies or governments to offset their carbon footprint by financing projects that compensate for these emissions by removing or reducing an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere.
- Contributing to carbon neutrality : By participating in carbon offsetting initiatives, players can help achieve carbon neutrality targets, where net GHG emissions are reduced to zero thanks to a balance between emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere.
How do you offset your carbon footprint?
Offset your carbon footprint, it is crucial to take measures to both reduce and offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. First and foremost, it is necessary to quantify these emissions, which can be done using tools such as Bilan Carbone for companies, or online calculators such as ADEME's for individuals. However, it's important to remember that simply offsetting emissions without first reducing them is open to criticism.
First and foremost, it There is a time lag between offsetting and reducing emissions, which means that offset emissions continue to affect the environment immediately. Secondly, over-reliance on carbon offsetting without emissions reductions could lead to a lack of viable projects to finance in the long term.
This is why it is essential to implement emission reduction strategies alongside carbon offsetting.. Companies can draw up action plans to reduce their emissions, while individuals can adopt more environmentally-friendly behaviors to reduce their personal carbon footprint.
With regard to the amount to be contributed or compensated, it is recommended to aim at offsetting at least the full carbon footprintor even more if possible. Some companies choose to offset only their direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2), but a broader approach is preferable.
As for the choice of offset projectsthere are various options, such as tree planting, renewable energy projects or initiatives to reduce pollution in disadvantaged communities. It is crucial to select quality projects, certified by recognized labels such as VCS and Gold Standard, to guarantee their effectiveness in reducing CO2 emissions.
Finally, in the specific case of carbon offsetting linked to air travel, it should be noted that the aviation sector is responsible for a significant proportion of global GHG emissions. An international agreement, CORSIA, requires all aviation emissions in excess of the 2020 level to be offset, illustrating the growing importance of carbon offsetting in this field.
The limits of carbon offsetting
When you consider offsetting your carbon footprint, it's essential to ensure that your financial contribution actually supports effective emission reduction projects. Some "carbon offsetting" programs do not actually financial investments in forestry projectswith no guarantee as to their actual effect on reducing emissions.
What's more, the quality of the projects you choose to support is crucial. Some carbon offset projects encourage the planting of fast-growing monocultures of trees, which can have harmful consequences for biodiversity and soil health. Such projects can also present risks in the event of fire or tree disease, risking the release of carbon back into the atmosphere.
It is therefore important to select projects that are audited and certified for their real capacity to capture or reduce carbon emissions, while avoiding other negative impacts on the environment and society. Labels can help to identify these quality projects.
Offsetting your carbon footprint is a necessary step towards carbon neutrality, but it's not enough in itself. It is essential to combine offsetting with emission reduction measures.. At Phishia, we help our customers to draw up sound offset policies and choose the most effective projects for achieving their climate objectives.
It is essential to consider carbon offsetting from a global rather than a local perspective. Indeed, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are not confined to national borders, and the effects of climate change are felt on a global scale. For example, emissions from the production of goods and services in one country can contribute to global warming in other regions, affecting populations and ecosystems not directly responsible for these emissions.
How can I get support in implementing a circular economy within my company?
To help you make the transition to a circular economy, you can benefit from Phishia's expertise, a consulting firm specializing in environmental transitions and sustainable development. Phishia offers tailor-made support services to help companies integrate the principles of the circular economy into their corporate strategy and day-to-day operations.
Their team of experts will guide you through the process, diagnosing your current situation, identifying opportunities for improvement, and drawing up an action plan tailored to your specific needs. And more, Phishia can help you set up monitoring and evaluation tools to measure the impact of your circular initiatives and adjust your strategy accordingly.
By choosing Phishia as your partner, you'll benefit from personalized support and cutting-edge expertise in the field of the circular economy, enabling you to maximize the environmental, economic and social benefits of your transition to a more sustainable business model.
