Skip to Content
Home›Case studies›Build a carbon footprint that stands up
Illustration: CSR, ESG and decarbonisation
Modelled case study

Building a carbon footprint that stands up to a client

Constructing a greenhouse gas emissions report has become a crucial step for companies wishing to engage in a corporate social and environmental responsibility approach. By integrating the three scopes of emissions, organisations can better understand their environmental impact and define appropriate strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. This modelled case study presents a methodological approach to establishing a comprehensive and effective report.

Method warning

A typical case, not a client

This study does not describe any real clients and does not report any results obtained from a client: our confidentiality commitments prohibit this. It sets out explicit working hypotheses and then deduces orders of magnitude through a calculation that you can replicate line by line. Change a hypothesis, and the result changes. During a diagnosis, these hypotheses are replaced by your actual figures.

The starting point

The modelled situation

In a context where regulatory and societal pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions continues to increase, companies must adapt and take concrete measures. Building an emissions inventory across the three scopes makes it possible to identify emission sources, whether direct or indirect, and to prioritize actions to be taken. This inventory meets stakeholder expectations and positions the company in relation to upcoming regulatory changes. Companies must also consider the challenges of their value chain and the impacts of their strategic choices on the environment. Implementing such an inventory requires interdisciplinary collaboration and strong commitment from management.

Initial hypothesisValueUnit
Sites to cover3sites
Emission sources to document22sources
Suppliers representing the majority of purchases40suppliers
Proportion of purchases covered by these suppliers80%
The calculation

Result, line by line

The calculation table presents the various identified emission sources as well as the results obtained for each scope. You must note that this table does not provide qualitative analyses but focuses on quantitative data. The above assumptions must be taken into account to correctly interpret the results. Each row of the table corresponds to an emission source, while the columns indicate the calculated values. A careful reading of the notes at the bottom of the table may also provide clarifications on the calculation methods used.

Calculated magnitudeFormulaResultUnit
Data collections to be organised3 sites × 22 positions66collections
Suppliers to be approached for scope 340 suppliers40suppliers
Proportion of purchases documented at the end of the campaign80 % of purchases80% of purchases
Sources remaining to be estimated using sector ratios100 % − 80 %20% of purchases
The diagnosis

What we measure first

Identification of emission sources

An initial diagnosis should map all sources of emissions for the company, taking into account the three defined scopes.

Analysis of existing data

You must examine the available data to assess the reliability and relevance of information on emissions.

Stakeholder involvement

The engagement of internal and external stakeholders determines the success of the approach.

Evaluation of current practices

An analysis of the company's current practices regarding emissions management will identify areas for improvement.

The work plan

How the mission unfolds

1

Establishment of a methodological framework

Define a clear framework for the collection and analysis of emission-related data.

2

Data collection

Establish a systematic process for collecting the data necessary for the report.

3

Calculation of emissions

Use appropriate tools and methods to quantify greenhouse gas emissions.

4

Development of an action plan

Develop a concrete action plan to reduce identified emissions, setting clear objectives.

5

Monitoring and communication

Implement a system to track progress made and communicate results to stakeholders.

The follow-up

The indicators we implement

These indicators are recorded from the diagnosis and then monitored throughout the mission: they are what make the result demonstrable, rather than declarative.

  • Proportion of emissions calculated from actual data rather than ratios
  • Response rate of solicited suppliers
  • Difference between two successive campaigns, at constant scope
  • Number of reduction actions undertaken and their progress
  • Deadline for producing the report after the end of the financial year
Clarity

What causes this type of project to fail

Lack of reliable data+
The absence of precise data can compromise the quality of the emissions report.
Non-involvement of stakeholders+
A lack of stakeholder engagement can lead to resistance to change.
Lack of monitoring+
Without regular monitoring, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the actions taken.
Poorly defined objectives+
Vague or inappropriate objectives can undermine team motivation and the relevance of actions.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is being asked of us

Why is it important to consider the three scopes?+
The three scopes provide a complete view of the company's emissions, including both direct and indirect emissions.
How to ensure the reliability of the collected data?+
You must establish verification and validation procedures for the data to ensure its reliability.
What actions can be implemented to reduce emissions?+
Actions may include improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and optimising processes.
How to communicate on the emissions report?+
Communication must be transparent and accessible, highlighting the results achieved and future actions.

Let's redo this calculation with your figures

The diagnosis replaces each hypothesis on this page with data collected from you. It lasts half a day and does not commit you to anything.

Request a diagnosis