In order to contribute effectively to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, organisations must be able to rely on a common methodology for calculating their carbon footprint. This is the role of the GHG Protocol, the benchmark that has become essential for measuring greenhouse gas emissions (read more on this topic in ‘GHG Protocol scope 1-2-3: understanding for better action’). Once this mapping has been completed, you will have a solid foundation for setting your low-carbon targets and tracking your progress. Want to know how to set your decarbonisation targets? Follow the guide!
Step 1: Analyse the context
As part of our decarbonisation offering (Carbon Shift), Equans is often approached by organisations wishing to set their low-carbon targets. What exactly does this mean? While the Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of keeping global temperature rise ‘well below’ 2°C by 2100, the European Union has translated this ambition into a legally binding commitment for its Member States: achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 (European Climate Law).
For businesses and institutions, this means contributing to the collective effort by setting a decarbonisation trajectory and specific reduction targets. To understand this better, you can think of Net Zero as a journey, with the targets being the milestones to be reached and the trajectories being the paths that lead to each milestone.
Step 2: Give meaning to your approach
While reducing your greenhouse gas emissions has become essential, there are as many ways to decarbonise as there are companies in the world. Before going any further, we therefore advise you to clarify your motivation by asking yourself why you are committing to this approach:
- To comply with legislation?
- To reduce your operating costs or strengthen your brand image?
- Because actively contributing to carbon neutrality is central to your values?
- To anticipate the risks or seize the opportunities that climate change represents for your company or community?
The answer to this question will guide your low-carbon strategy and determine your levers for action.
Step 3: Choose your reference framework
To define your decarbonisation targets, it is important to rely on a clear and recognised framework. Without this, the implementation of your action plan may lack transparency and effectiveness. In this regard, the tools and methodologies of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) offer an excellent alternative. If your company or institution wishes to publicly set transition targets based on science and aligned with IPCC recommendations, the SBTi is a credible and internationally recognised pathway.
However, it is not the only option. If you wish, Equans can support you in choosing the framework best suited to your organisation.
Step 4: Be realistic and ambitious
A well-thought-out decarbonisation strategy is based on a percentage reduction of your emissions to achieve within a defined timeframe and scope. Equans considers your overall strategy, priorities, and budgetary constraints to work with you in building a coherent trajectory aligned with broader climate objectives.
Reducing energy costs, improving operational efficiency, securing public funding... We ensure that your decarbonisation efforts address both your profitability goals and regulatory obligations.
Step 5: Move forward at your own pace, but move forward!
While the climate emergency is real, decarbonisation is a complex process that requires time and method. Here too, Equans can support you. Depending on your carbon maturity level and the actions you have already undertaken, we help you set short-term (5 to 10 years) and long-term (by 2050) goals.
And since each action area (scope) has its own reduction constraints, you can also set different targets per scope: for example, -30% for your direct emissions (scope 1) and -40% for your indirect emissions (scope 2 and scope 3). This gradual approach is also a good way to adjust your trajectory over time.
Acting now makes all the difference
When a company embarks on an environmental initiative, it often starts by calculating its carbon footprint using the GHG Protocol. Once its emissions have been recorded, it can set reduction targets to be achieved within a given timeframe. This step should not be seen as a constraint, but as a tremendous opportunity to rethink practices, improve performance, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate challenges.
By helping you define realistic reduction percentages and translate them into a concrete action plan, Equans enables you to make a difference by actively contributing to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Embark on the decarbonisation of your organisation with Equans
Financial resources available to support your low-carbon strategy
Certain subsidies and grants are available to support your decarbonisation projects. Equans helps you identify the most suitable schemes and put together your application. It also provides innovative financial solutions to help you bring your sustainability projects to fruition, for example through energy-saving models that gradually repay your investment.
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