Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the main cause of global warming. Reducing them is a priority in order to control the rise in temperatures and achieve the objective of carbon neutrality in 2050 defined by the Paris Agreement.

All businesses can take action and participate in the collective effort. But how do you know which activities emit the most greenhouse gases and prioritize actions? Carbon footprint is the answer. Here are some ways to better understand the carbon footprint and move towards a more virtuous and environmentally friendly carbon footprint.

Understanding the carbon footprint: what is it?

The carbon footprint was created at the end of the 1990s, as an extension of the 1997 Kyoto protocol, which forced countries to measure their greenhouse gas emissions. The concept was developed in the 2000s and is now recognized as a central indicator in the fight against global warming.

Carbon footprint: definition

The carbon footprint measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to human activities. It can be calculated at the level of a country, a sector, a company or an individual.

To simplify understanding and allow comparison, the carbon footprint is expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2eq for all greenhouse gases. Because the carbon dioxide is not the only gas responsible for global warming. The methane (CH4) and nitrogen oxide (NO2) also participate in the phenomenon, as well as more confidential gases: hydrofluorocarbon, nitrous oxide, perfluorocarbon and sulfur hexafluoride.

What are the differences between carbon footprint and ecological footprint?

Invented in 1992, the ecological footprint predates the carbon footprint. It consists in evaluating the Number of lands needed to meet the requirements of a lifestyle and consumption. For example, it is estimated that 2.8 Earths would be needed to absorb the consumption habits of a French person, 9 Earths for a Qatari and 0.3 Earths for a Yemeni.

The ecological footprint has the advantage of making an impression. But it provides little concrete information on the activities that emit the most greenhouse gases and the actions to be prioritized.

How is the carbon footprint calculated?

There are two methods for calculating the carbon footprint. Certified by ADEME, they are used to measure the carbon impact of countries, households or businesses, by taking into account the entire life cycle of a product.

Calculating the carbon footprint by physical ratio

Calculating greenhouse gas emissions based on a physical emission factor is preferred as soon as possible.

The calculation formula is as follows: GHG quantity = quantity consumed (expressed in the unit of the product) × physical emission factor (quantity of CO2 emitted by a unit).

For example, if an electric car emits 0.1 kg of CO2 per kilometer, its greenhouse gas emissions are estimated at 5 kg CO2eq for a 50 km trip (50 km × 0.1 kg of CO2/km).

Calculating the carbon footprint by currency ratio

The currency ratio measures carbon dioxide emissions from the price. This method is used for services whose quantity consumed is difficult to measure (telecommunications, maintenance, advertising, repair of machines and equipment, etc.).

The calculation formula is as follows: GHG quantity = Price × monetary emission factor (expressed in kgCO2eq per k€ excl. VAT).

For example, the ADEME Carbon Base considers that telecommunications services emit 170 kg CO2eq per k€. If a company spends 10,000 euros each year on these services, their carbon impact is estimated at 1,700 kg CO2eq.

The carbon footprint in France

In France, the carbon footprint is calculated by including all greenhouse gases linked to domestic final demand. It takes into account:

• Direct GHG emissions linked to the lifestyle and consumption of French households (food, transport, housing, consumption of products and services, use of public services...)
• GHG emissions from domestic production of goods and services intended for domestic demand (excluding exports)
• GHG emissions associated with imports intended for domestic production and demand.

According to the latest data, France's carbon footprint was estimated in 2021 at 604 million tons of CO2 equivalent, or 8.9 tons CO2eq per French person.

While France has seen its greenhouse gas emissions fall by 9% since 1995, its carbon footprint is being increased by imports. These represent 51% of the national carbon footprint.

The carbon footprint in Europe

The OECD calculation method differs from that of France. The OECD only takes into account energy CO2 emissions, while France includes methane and nitrogen dioxide emissions in its calculations.

According to the most recent estimates as of 2018, France ranks among the best European students in terms of greenhouse gas emissions with 6.8 tons CO2eq per inhabitant, against a European average of 7.8 tons CO2eq per person.

Businesses: how to reduce their carbon footprint?

For a company, reduce its carbon footprint Is first of all a Action of energy transition “citizen”. But it is also a commercial strategy. At a time when CSR (social and environmental responsibility) policy is increasingly being scrutinized by consumers and investors, a virtuous carbon footprint is a real competitive advantage.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the source

Encouraging energy sobriety

La energy sobriety aims to adopt “climate actions” on a daily basis to reduce energy consumption at source. Simple, concrete and accessible to all, energy sobriety is for example:

• Reduce the heating in the rooms.
• Decrease or stop ventilation in the evenings and weekends.
• Switch off electronic and computer equipment after use.
• Optimize lighting (LEDs, presence detectors, turning off or lowering outdoor lighting).
• Maintain boilers regularly and air conditioning systems.

In this article you will find some Good habits to adopt in business.

Investing in energy efficiency

Energy efficiency consists of favour less energy-intensive solutions to cover a consumer need, without deteriorating the quality of service.

Investing in energy renovation of buildings is one of the most profitable stocks. Thermal insulation minimizes energy losses, optimizes heating and makes it possible to reduce air conditioning, while maintaining the comfort of employees.

Energy efficiency is also replace equipment by more energy-efficient equipment.

Decarbonizing uses

Deploy local renewable energy solutions

Photovoltaics, geothermal energy, heat pumps : many solutions exist today to access renewable, local and carbon-free energy. With the fall in equipment costs and financial assistance, photovoltaic self-consumption is an effective and profitable alternative to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, lower its energy bill and secure its supply.

Producing and consuming your own renewable electricity makes it possible to rapidly reduce the carbon impact of his business. Photovoltaic electricity and geothermal energy emit an average of 44 to 45 g CO2eq/kWh compared to 243 g CO2eq/kWh for natural gas or 1,060 g CO2eq/kWh for a coal-fired power plant.

Adopting sustainable and low-carbon mobility

Professional electro-mobility offers a solution to get rid of polluting and expensive fossil fuels. On average, The carbon footprint of a electric car is 20 to 60% less to that of an internal combustion car. Commercial offers now make it affordable to install charging stations, coupled or not to photovoltaic awnings.

On the heavy transport side, the Bio-CNG and Hydrogen could also be the future of carbon-free mobility. The potential of these renewable and low-carbon gases is very promising for the road, rail, air and maritime sectors.

Capturing carbon

Some CO2 emissions cannot be avoided. For the most consuming companies, technologies are developing to capture carbon in the air or the fumes. The CO2 can then be reused or stored in a natural carbon sink, the seabed or even a ancient hydrocarbon field. It's the CCUS principle (Carbon, Capture, Utilization, Storage).

These technologies are still only at the experimental stage with the expected start of industrialization by 2030.

The climate emergency is here. Against global warming, each company can take action by reducing its carbon footprint. The first step: carry out a carbon footprint.

This report makes it possible to better know its greenhouse gas emissions, to identify the activities and equipment with the greatest impact on the climate and to establish an action plan. The carbon footprint is a valuable tool for companies wishing to engage in the energy transition, towards a sustainable and decarbonized future.

To go further on the subject, we recommend that you read this article: Is carbon offsetting really effective?