In line with its CSR approach, Axsens bte, has embarked on the completion of its first carbon footprint at the end of 2022. To carry out this important initiative, the company has teamed up with the consulting firm Goodwill Management, recognized for its expertise in environmental sustainability and responsible management.
Read on to find out more!
This strategic partnership with Goodwill Management demonstratesAxsens bte commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility. By carrying out a carbon footprint, the company aims to assess and quantify all its greenhouse gas emissions. This has enabled Axsens bte toidentify its most significantsources of emissions anddevelop strategies to significantly reduce them.
For the 2021/2022 financial year, Axsens' carbon footprint bte was 223 tCO2e, with an uncertainty of 14% due to the complexity of certain information. The two biggest GHG emission items are transport (114 tCO2e) and purchasing (84 tCO2e). Based on this observation, Axsens employees bte got together to propose solutions to reduce this figure for the next financial year, such as the purchase of an electric company vehicle, reconditioned IT equipment, etc.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint, also known as a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions balance or carbon inventory, is a methodical assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions emitted directly and indirectly by a company or organization throughout the course of its activity. The carbon footprint quantifies all GHG emissions generated by a company's internal activities, such as energy consumption, production and transport, as well as indirect emissions linked to the use of third-party products or services.
The aim of a carbon footprint is to understand a company's carbon footprint and identify the major sources of GHG emissions. This enables the company to take steps to reduce its impact on climate change, set emission reduction targets, implement energy efficiency strategies, adopt more sustainable practices, and possibly offset part of its emissions by investing in reforestation projects.
Carbon footprinting has become an essential tool for companies seeking to adopt environmentally responsible practices, comply with GHG emissions reporting regulations, and meet the growing expectations of consumers and investors in terms of sustainability and the fight against climate change.
Why carry out a carbon assessment of your company?
Carrying out your company's carbon footprint offers numerous advantages and benefits, from an environmental, social, economic and strategic point of view.
- Knowing your carbon footprint: A carbon footprint enables a company to accurately quantify its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and identify specific sources of emissions. This gives a clear picture of the company's overall environmental impact.
- Raising environmental awareness: Carrying out a carbon footprint raises awareness of the importance of climate change and other environmental issues within the company and its employees. This can lead to greater awareness of environmental issues and a better understanding of the actions to be taken.
- Risk management: By identifying the main sources of GHG emissions, the company can better assess the risks associated with fluctuating energy costs, changing environmental regulations, raw material scarcity and societal pressures for sustainability.
- Improving energy efficiency: The carbon footprint can highlight areas where energy efficiency, waste management or wastage can be improved, resulting in energy savings and associated costs.
- Responsibility and commitment: Carrying out a carbon footprint demonstrates a company's responsibility towards the environment and society. It shows stakeholders, such as customers, investors and employees, that the company takes environmental issues seriously and is committed to acting responsibly.
- Competitive advantage: More and more consumers and business partners are looking to partner with companies committed to sustainable practices. Having a positive carbon footprint can enhance a company's brand image and attractiveness in the eyes of customers and stakeholders.
- Regulatory compliance: In many countries, companies are subject to GHG emissions reporting regulations. Carrying out a carbon footprint assessment helps to comply with these legal and regulatory requirements.
- Innovation and business opportunities : GHG emissions analysis can also reveal new business opportunities, such as the development of low-carbon footprint products or services that meet growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions.
How do you assess your company's carbon footprint?
The process for carrying out a company's carbon footprint can be divided into several stages:
- Define the scope of the carbon footprint: Determine which activities and sources of greenhouse gas emissions will be included in the footprint. This may include direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) from sources controlled by the company, as well as indirect emissions (scope 3) resulting from the company's activities, but over which it has an indirect influence, such as emissions linked to employee travel or supplier activities.
- Data collection: Gather the data needed to calculate the company's GHG emissions. This may include information on energy consumption (electricity, fuel, etc.), business travel, waste management, purchasing, and other activities relevant to the carbon footprint.
- Use of calculation tools: To facilitate the process, numerous online tools are available to calculate GHG emissions in a standardized way.
- Convert data into GHG emissions: Once all the data has been collected, convert it into greenhouse gas emissions, using the appropriate emissions factors for each type of activity.
- Analysis of results: Identify the major sources of GHG emissions within the company. This will enable you to target the areas where reduction measures can be most effective.
- Set impact reduction targets : Set GHG emission reduction targets for the company. These targets must be realistic, measurable and aligned with a sustainable development trajectory, in line with low-carbon strategies recommended by the IPCC.
- Implement mitigation actions: Develop and implement initiatives aimed at reducing the company's GHG emissions. This may include improving energy efficiency, adopting cleaner technologies, promoting carpooling or telecommuting, etc.
- Monitor and communicate progress: Regularly monitor the company's GHG emissions to track progress towards targets. Communicate results and emission reduction efforts to stakeholders such as customers, employees, investors and suppliers.
- Repeating the process: The carbon balance sheet should be carried out periodically, ideally every year, to assess progress, adjust targets in line with results and continue to improve the company's environmental performance.
Carrying out your company's carbon footprint requires a rigorous, methodical approach, but the environmental, economic and brand image benefits are considerable. At Axsens bte, we have training courses and experts trained in carbon footprinting who can support you in your approach.
