Carrying out a Bilan Carbone® is a structuring step, but the real challenge begins once the measurement has been made. How do you go from a simple assessment to a concrete decarbonization strategy? How can you prevent this exercise from remaining isolated, with no real impact on your emissions?
Important information: An effective reduction trajectory depends above all on comprehensive, reliable measurement. If you haven't yet finalized your inventory, find out more about how to apply the Bilan Carbone method step by step before launching your first actions.
Before entering the operational phase, using this calculation reference system helps to prioritize and understand the relationship between regulatory obligations and climate trajectories.
An effective carbon reduction plan relies first and foremost on strategic choices, clear priorities and adapted operational implementation business realities.
In a nutshell: how can you reduce your company's carbon footprint?
To succeed in your low-carbon trajectory, focus your efforts on these 5 major levers:
Energy efficiency : insulation, heating control and LED lighting.
Decarbonizing purchasing : selection of committed suppliers (Scope 3 criteria).
Sustainable mobility : fleet electrification and employee mobility plan.
Eco-design : reducing the impact of products right from the design stage.
Digital sobriety: extending the lifespan of IT equipment and low-carbon servers.
From carbon footprint to low-carbon strategy: a new approach
A carbon footprint identifies the main greenhouse gas emissions. It does not, however, provide a turnkey action plan on its own.
The most common mistake is to try to act on all the positions simultaneously, without prioritizing them.
Conversely, a corporate low-carbon strategy is based on a logic of prioritization:
- Concentrate efforts on truly structuring items,
- Take into account the company's capacity for action,
- Integrate economic and operational constraints.
Reducing your carbon footprint doesn't mean transforming everything immediately. act where the impact is real and measurable.
What are the most effective carbon reduction levers?
After the carbon footprint, the aim is to transform the results into concrete action levers. Depending on the company's profile, certain areas stand out as recurring themes.
Energy performance and usage
Optimizing energy consumption remains one of the most accessible levers:
- Reduce unnecessary consumption,
- Improving equipment efficiency,
- Gradual evolution of the energy mix.
These actions often bring together carbon reduction and cost control, which makes arbitration easier.
Our offer in Energy Performance is directly in line with this logic, supporting companies from the analysis of usage to the operational implementation of reduction actions, with a dual objective of carbon and economic performance.
Decarbonizing purchasing and the value chain
In many companies, indirect emissions linked to purchasing account for the lion's share of the carbon footprint.
The decarbonizing purchasing is based on :
- Integrating carbon criteria into purchasing decisions,
- Dialogue with suppliers,
- Formalizing a responsible purchasing charter.
This lever takes effect over time, but is one of the pillars of a credible decarbonization plan.
Mobility, logistics and organization
Business travel, logistics and work organization can also represent significant costs.
The actions then concern :
- Flow optimization,
- Changing travel practices,
- Adapting organizational methods.
Building a structured carbon action plan
Setting realistic carbon reduction targets
An effective carbon reduction plan is based on clear, achievable objectives.
Rather than generic commitments, it is preferable to define :
- Quantified targets,
- Progressive deadlines,
- A trajectory consistent with the company's business.
In the long term, these trajectories can be part of a logic of net zero or carbon neutrality, provided they are based on actual reductions.
For maximum credibility, align your trajectory with international standards such as the SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative) or the ACT from ADEME.
ROI and costs: how to finance your decarbonization strategy?
The question of cost of carbon reduction is central to the implementation phase.
Each action must be analyzed with regard to :
- Its real carbon impact,
- Its investment cost,
- Associated operational or economic benefits.
The decarbonization plan then becomes a decision-making tool, The same applies to financial indicators.
Implementing strategy within the company
Integrating carbon reduction into governance
A low-carbon strategy cannot be driven by a CSR team alone.
To be effective, it must :
- To be supported by management,
- Integrate into existing decision-making processes,
- Be involved in strategic decisions.
Reducing the carbon footprint thus becomes a key cross-functional steering issues, not a side project.
Reduction before carbon offsetting
The carbon offsetting can be used as a complement, but only for residual emissions that are difficult to eliminate.
A credible approach starts with :
- A measurable reduction in emissions,
- A structured action plan,
- Regular monitoring of results.
Offsetting your carbon footprint is no substitute for a solid carbon reduction strategy.
Steering and adjusting the carbon reduction plan over time
A carbon reduction plan is not set in stone.
It is based on a logic of continuous improvement, with :
- Follow-up indicators,
- Regular adjustments,
- An ability to change priorities.
This approach is fully in line with ADEME's guidelines and national decarbonization trajectories.
Conclusion: turning the carbon reduction plan into a strategic lever
After the carbon footprint, the challenge is no longer to measure, but to decide and act.
Structuring a carbon reduction plan enables the company :
- to sustainably reduce its emissions,
- secure its regulatory path,
- strengthen its overall performance.
The low-carbon strategy then becomes a a lever for strategic transformation, integrated into the company's decision-making process.
Implementing a carbon reduction plan is a key step, but it has to be based on a solid diagnosis. Whether in response to a regulatory obligation or a voluntary initiative driven by the expectations of customers, investors, principals or partners, a carbon footprint is today an essential strategic entry point. To help you better understand when a carbon footprint is mandatory, what thresholds apply and how to anticipate these requirements, we take a closer look at the issues at stake. in our dedicated article.
Take action: start your carbon audit today
The success of your reduction trajectory depends on the accuracy of your initial measurement. Whether you're responding to a regulatory obligation or a strategic decision, we'll help you carry out a complete diagnosis in line with the best standards.
