Why conduct a carbon footprint?
Understand your carbon footprint: identify the sources of GHG emissions within the organization
Manage your emissions: track the evolution of emissions over time and implement reduction actions
Engage in a CSR approach: meet the growing demands of customers, investors and stakeholders
Improve your image and reputation: demonstrate your commitment to sustainable development
How to conduct a carbon footprint?
There are two main methods for conducting a carbon footprint:
The GHG Protocol: an internationally recognized standard that provides a framework for measuring and reporting GHG emissions
Bilan Carbone®: a French method developed by ADEME that is based on the GHG Protocol and offers specific tools and guides
The 3 scopes of the carbon footprint
A carbon footprint takes into account the organization's direct and indirect GHG emissions. Three scopes are generally distinguished:
Scope 1: direct emissions from the organization's activities (combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, etc.)
Scope 2: indirect emissions from the energy consumed by the organization (electricity, heating, etc.)
Scope 3: indirect emissions from the entire organization's value chain (purchases of goods and services, upstream and downstream transport, waste treatment, etc.)
Greenhouse gases (GHGs)
GHGs are gases that are naturally present in the atmosphere or are emitted by human activities. They contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing terrestrial infrared radiation and warming the planet. The main GHGs are:
Carbon dioxide (CO2): emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation and other natural and anthropogenic processes
Methane (CH4): emitted from agriculture, fossil fuel extraction and landfills
Nitrous oxide (N2O): emitted from agriculture, the use of nitrogen fertilizers and certain industrial processes
Fluorinated gases: used in various industrial and commercial sectors
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