Catalina Crotti
In a context where the fight against climate change is becoming a global priority, carbon footprint assessments are gaining increasing importance. But what exactly is a carbon footprint assessment, and why is it essential for today’s businesses?
A carbon footprint assessment is a method for evaluating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of an activity, an organisation, a territory, or a product. This assessment makes it possible to quantify GHG emissions in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), taking into account different types of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), etc.
It is an essential tool for companies and local authorities wishing to commit to sustainable development and the fight against climate change. It not only makes it possible to measure environmental impact but also to implement strategies to reduce it.
To carry out such an assessment, companies must analyse the GHG emissions generated within their own operations and those of third parties. These boundaries are called “scopes” and are divided into three main categories: Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
Here are the steps involved in a carbon footprint assessment:
1. Defining the scope of the assessment: The first step is to determine which aspects of the company will be covered by the assessment. This may include offices, factories, the supply chain, etc.
2. Data collection: This phase aims to gather all the necessary data, such as energy consumption, business travel, and raw material purchases. This is generally the most time-consuming part of the process.
3. Calculating emissions: Using standardised emission factors, the collected data is converted into tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Numerous tools and software programs can be useful for this purpose.
It was therefore to better understand our responsibility and take appropriate action that we decided to measure our carbon footprint. To do so, we called on Eqlosion, a Lausanne-based company, to support us in calculating our impact. Thanks to the results obtained, we were able to strengthen our CSR strategy and our commitments to Swiss Triple Impact.
In summary, carrying out a carbon footprint assessment has enabled us to:
1. Identify our main sources of GHG emissions, whether in internal operations, the supply chain, or transportation.
2. Establish impact reduction targets, in line with the 1.5°C reduction pathway of the Paris Agreement. By identifying emission sources, we can target specific actions to reduce our carbon footprint, for example by increasing the percentage of certified materials used in bespoke production or reducing the number of business trips made by air and, consequently, the amount of CO2 emitted.
3. Encourage innovation. The carbon footprint assessment encourages us to rethink different processes, innovate in products and services, and adopt solutions that are more environmentally and socially responsible.
4. Address new legislation. As the transition towards a low-carbon economy accelerates, companies that understand and manage their carbon footprint will be better prepared to face future regulations, as well as potential increases in costs associated with carbon emissions.
In conclusion, a carbon footprint assessment is a strategic tool that enables organisations to measure, understand, and reduce their climate impact while preparing for the environmental and societal challenges ahead. In a world transitioning towards a decarbonised economy, carrying out a carbon footprint assessment is no longer an option, but a necessity!
We invite you to download our complete Carbon Footprint Assessment (reference year 2022).
