Carbon tax
Carbon taxation, often referred to as carbon tax, consists of a tax added to the selling price of a product or service, based on the quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted during its production or use. The aim is to finance the energy transition, encourage energy efficiency and promote renewable energies. In 2024, the carbon tax is set at around €22 per tonne of CO2 emitted. According to the objectives of the 2015 energy transition law, it should reach €100 per tonne by 2030.
This tax increases the price of products with a high carbon footprint, encouraging consumers to choose more sustainable options. However, some companies absorb this cost to avoid passing it on directly to consumers.
Carbon credit
The carbon credit concept stems from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which established a carbon market that has been operational since 2005. It enables companies to trade CO2 emission rights, known as allowances, against national GHG emission ceilings.
Companies can buy allowances to emit more CO2, or sell those they don't use. The price of the allowance is determined by supply and demand, generally varying between €5 and €10 per tonne of CO2. This system is supposed to finance the development of renewable energies, although it has been criticized for its limited ability to dissuade heavy polluters, notably due to the low price of carbon and the exclusion of certain sectors such as aviation and shipping.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Balance (BEGES)
The Bilan des Émissions de Gaz à Effet de Serre (BEGES) is a method for quantifying the GHG emissions of an entity (company, local authority) or a product over its entire life cycle. It helps to identify major sources of emissions and to draw up reduction strategies.
Emissions are classified into three scopes in accordance with the ISO 14069 standard and the Grenelle II law:
- Scope 1 Direct emissions (e.g. fuel combustion).
- Scope 2 : Indirect energy-related emissions (e.g. heat and electricity production).
- Scope 3 : Other indirect emissions (e.g. extraction, transport of raw materials).
In France, this assessment is compulsory for large companies, government departments, local authorities with over 50,000 inhabitants, and all legal entities under public law employing over 250 people, with a renewal every 3 or 4 years depending on the case.
Regulatory Energy Audit
Since December 2015, large companies have been required to carry out an energy audit to identify sources of energy savings and draw up an action plan. This audit concerns companies with more than 250 employees, sales in excess of €50 million, or a balance sheet exceeding €43 million. The audit must be repeated every four years.
Companies with ISO 50001 certification are exempt from this obligation. According to ADEME, the investments recommended by the audit can generate significant energy savings, sometimes as much as 50% for buildings.
Energy Savings Certificate (CEE)
Created in 2006, the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme obliges energy sellers to make energy savings. Savings measures are standardized and classified by sector (residential, tertiary, agricultural, industrial). They are mainly aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings through renovation and insulation work.
The unit of CEE is the kWh cumac (kWh cumulated and discounted), which represents the energy value of one kWh saved. Obligated parties can purchase CEE or contribute to support programs to offset their energy-saving shortfalls. In the event of failure to meet quotas, financial penalties are applied.
Express summary
- Carbon tax: This is a tax added to the price of products according to their ecological impact. For example, a product that requires a lot of CO2 to produce will cost more.
- Carbon credit : Companies can buy or sell rights to emit CO2. It's a market where polluting costs money, providing an incentive to reduce emissions.
- BEGES : It's a calculation of the GHG emissions of a company or product to find ways of reducing these emissions.
- Energy audit : An examination of a company's energy use to identify ways of saving energy.
- CEE : A system where energy sellers have to prove that they have helped save energy, or else pay fines.
Support from Phishia
Phishia's support is an essential element in the effective implementation of the GHG Protocol and Bilan Carbone®. Organizations can benefit from professional support to navigate through the complexities of these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting processes, and take full advantage of the benefits they offer.
