Carbon Footprint Assessment and Climate Strategies
At Phishia, we support companies in their ecological transition with Bilan Carbone and Stratégies Climat solutions. Evaluate your carbon footprint, identify reduction levers and adopt an effective low-carbon approach for a sustainable future.
What is a Life Cycle Assessment?
(ACV or LCA)?
A carbon footprint is a measurement tool used to assess the carbon footprint of an organization, a product or even an individual. It aims to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions (BEGES or GHG) associated with a given activity, generally expressed in CO2 equivalent.
To understand the carbon footprint, it is crucial to understand the three scopes, according to the GHG Protocol:
Scope 1
Direct greenhouse gas emissions
This first scope covers greenhouse gas emissions from sources directly controlled or owned by the organization.
This generally includes emissions from fixed installations, such as factories or offices, as well as emissions from the organization's fleet of vehicles.
scope 2
Indirect emissions from energy consumption
Scope 2 covers greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the production of energy purchased and consumed by the organization.
This mainly includes electricity, but also heat, steam or cooling purchased from third parties.
These emissions are indirect, as they are not produced directly by the organization, but are nonetheless linked to its activities.
scope 3
Indirect emissions up and down the value chain
Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions not covered by scopes 1 and 2. These are emissions resulting from the organization's activities but generated outside its direct perimeter.
This can include emissions from the production of raw materials, the manufacture of products, the transportation of goods, the use of products by end-consumers, through to their end-of-life and disposal. Business travel, investments and even waste-related emissions are also included in this scope.
How we work
As an environmental assessment consultancy, Phishia helps companies carry out their carbon footprint efficiently and comprehensively. Here are the typical stages of our intervention:
We gather the data required to assess emissions, including energy consumption, travel, industrial processes, etc. We approximate missing data to ensure completeness. This data includes measures such as the quantity of raw materials consumed (expressed in kg, liters...), electricity consumption (in kWh), fuel consumption (in liters), business travel by mode of transport (in km), as well as the volume of goods transported (in tons and km).
Using approved methodologies, we calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each identified source, converting the data collected into equivalent CO2 emissions.
The ISO 14001 carbon footprint
ISO 14001 is an international environmental management standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides a framework for organizations seeking to implement an effective environmental management system and to improve their environmental performance on an ongoing basis. Here are a few key points about ISO 14001:
1.
Objectives and principles
The main objective of ISO 14001 is to help organizations identify, prioritize and manage the environmental aspects of their activities, products and services. The fundamental principles of the standard include management commitment, a process approach, continual improvement and life-cycle thinking.
2.
Management system structure
ISO 14001 proposes a multi-stage structure for implementing an environmental management system. This includes the identification of significant environmental aspects, the definition of environmental objectives and targets, the establishment of management programs, the implementation of control and monitoring procedures, and the periodic evaluation of environmental performance.
3.
Certification
Although compliance with ISO 14001 is not mandatory, many organizations choose to become certified to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and compliance with best environmental management practices. Certification is issued by accredited bodies, after assessment of the conformity of the organization's management system to the requirements of the standard.
4.
Benefits
Implementing ISO 14001 offers a number of benefits to organizations, including reduced environmental risks, improved operational efficiency, reduced waste and energy costs, and enhanced reputation and stakeholder satisfaction.
The Need for a Low Carbon Strategy
By analyzing the most significant sources of emissions, the carbon footprint helps companies identify areas where action can be taken to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change.
Critical Points to Watch
Initial Assessment of Carbon Emissions
Carbon footprint
Start by carrying out a carbon assessment to quantify the company's current GHG emissions. This step is crucial for identifying the main sources of emissions and defining priorities.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Carry out an LCA of products and services to assess environmental impacts throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life.
Definition of Objectives
SMART objectives
Set emissions reduction targets that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. These targets must be aligned with international commitments, such as those of the Paris Agreement.
Reduction scenarios
Develop different emission reduction scenarios based on available resources and existing technologies.
Identification of Key Actions
Energy Efficiency
Invest in technologies and practices that improve energy efficiency, such as installing energy management systems, renovating buildings and optimizing industrial processes.
Renewable Energies
Switch to renewable energy sources to power business operations. This can include installing solar panels, purchasing green electricity or cogeneration.
Sustainable mobility
Promote sustainable modes of transport for employees and logistics, such as carpooling, electric vehicles and telecommuting.
Strategy creation and implementation
Strategic Planning
Roadmap
Develop a detailed roadmap outlining the steps to be taken to achieve emission reduction targets. This roadmap should include milestones, resource requirements and performance indicators.
Integration into company processes
Integrate emissions reduction actions into the company's operational processes, such as purchasing, production and logistics.
Get Support
Consultants and Experts
Call on consultants specialized in sustainable development and low-carbon strategy to benefit from their expertise and experience.
Partnerships
Develop partnerships with organizations and companies that have already implemented successful low-carbon strategies. This can include exchanges of best practices and collaborative projects.
Inclusion of stakeholders
Employee Commitment
Awareness and Training
Train employees and raise their awareness of climate issues and the actions they can take to reduce carbon emissions. This can include training sessions, workshops and internal communication campaigns.
Active Participation
Encourage employees to come up with ideas and solutions to reduce the company's carbon footprint. This can be done through working groups, innovation competitions, or online suggestion platforms.
Involving suppliers and customers
Supply Chain
Work with suppliers to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain. This can include adopting sustainability criteria in purchasing processes, and working with suppliers to improve their environmental practices.
Sustainable Products and Services
Develop and promote low-carbon products and services to meet growing customer demand for sustainable solutions.
Dialogue with external stakeholders
Local communities
Collaborate with local communities to support environmental initiatives and reinforce the company's positive impact on its immediate environment.
Investors and Regulators
Communicate transparently with investors and regulators on actions taken and progress made in reducing carbon emissions.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Performance monitoring
Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Define and monitor KPIs to measure progress in reducing carbon emissions. These indicators should be regularly reviewed and adjusted according to the results obtained.
Reporting and Communication
Publish regular reports on the company's environmental performance and progress towards emission reduction targets. Use various communication channels to inform stakeholders of results achieved.
Review and Adjustment
Periodic Evaluation
Carry out periodic evaluations of the low-carbon strategy to identify successes, challenges and areas requiring adjustment.
Continuous Improvement
Engage in a continuous improvement process to optimize actions undertaken and integrate new technologies and innovative practices.
ADEME's ACT Step-by-Step method to support you
Visit ACT Pas-à-Pas methodology, supported by ADEMEThe European Union has set up a number of subsidy schemes to help companies finance their transition to a low-carbon strategy. These subsidies vary according to the type of company (industrial or non-industrial) and the type of operation (individual or collective).
Phishia is a recognized service provider and can help you obtain these subsidies. Here is an overview of available subsidies, based on the table provided :
Subsidies for non-industrial companies
This program is aimed at SMEs, with the estimated cost of the ACT Step-by-Step for SMEs set at €20k. Companies can benefit from grants of up to €15 k to cover part of the costs associated with implementing the ACT methodology.
French Volunteer Program (PVF)
Companies can receive grants of up to €15,000, based on a mutual agreement between the company and ADEME.
Rate of assistance 2024 :
- TPE (Très Petites Entreprises): 80%
- SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises): 70%
- ETI (Entreprises de Taille Intermédiaire) and Large Groups: 60%
ACT 2024 Call for Projects:
- Rate of assistance for identical individual support: 70%
- Animation rate: 70%
Subsidies for industrial companies
This scheme enables industrial companies to receive financial support based on negotiations and agreements between the company and ADEME.
Rate of assistance 2024 (€30k base) :
- TPE: 80%
- SME: 70%
- ETI and Large Groups: 60%
ACT 2024 Call for Projects:
- Rate of assistance for identical individual support: 70%
- Animation rate: 70%
ADEME's ACT Step by Step method
The ACT Step by Step methodology, developed by ADEME and CDP, supports companies in structuring and implementing robust and effective decarbonization strategies. Its aim is to encourage companies to make an active commitment to the transition to a low-carbon world, and to integrate these strategies into their overall development plan.
Fundamental principles
- Clairvoyance Sincere, informed analysis of the company's situation and transition challenges.
- Ambition Active contribution to the low-carbon transition, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
- Feasibility Compatibility of strategy with the company's resources and mission.
- Coherence Aligning the decarbonization strategy with the company's overall strategy.
- Profitability Contribution to the company's overall profitability.
Scope of the Methodology
The ACT Step by Step methodology covers several areas of intervention:
- Reducing GHG emissions : Direct and indirect emissions are taken into account.
- Business transformation Adapting to changes in regulations, markets and performance standards.
- Sector adaptability Customized approach depending on the sector and the company's position in the value chain.
Methodology steps
- Analysis of current situation Assessment of GHG emissions and existing strategy.
- Identification of Issues and Challenges Identifying decarbonization challenges and opportunities.
- Vision definition : Developing an ambitious vision for the low-carbon transition.
- Development of the New Strategy Designing an integrated decarbonization strategy.
- Action plan : Implementation of concrete actions to achieve objectives.
Progress Recognition System
ACT Step by Step includes a recognition system based on three validation points:
- Initial validation Commitment and resources.
- Intermediate validation First results and actions underway.
- Final validation Global impact of the decarbonization strategy.
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