With environmental regulations tightening, more and more companies are required to measure their carbon footprint. Conducting a carbon assessment is now much more than just a choice: it’s a legal obligation for some and a strategic lever for everyone.
But in practical terms, who does this apply to? What needs to be measured? And how can you go about it effectively?
A carbon footprint involves assessing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by a company over a specific period. It is a foundational environmental diagnostic that allows you to:
- Understand your main sources of emissions,
- Prioritize reduction actions,
- Manage a credible low-carbon strategy.
💡 Scope 3 is often the largest and most complex to calculate. Yet, it is central to a coherent CSR strategy.
Conducting a GHG emissions assessment is mandatory in several cases:
- Companies with over 500 employees in mainland France (or 250 in overseas territories): assessment every 4 years.
- Local authorities with over 50,000 inhabitants: assessment every 3 years.
- Companies subject to the CSRD (European directive on non-financial reporting).
- Regulated or high-impact sectors (energy, transport, industry, etc.).
These obligations fall under the Environmental Code (Article L.229-25) and aim to make companies more accountable for their climate impact.
Beyond legal obligations, a carbon footprint offers many tangible benefits for companies:
- ✅ Regulatory compliance: avoid penalties and meet CSRD requirements.
- 💰 Cost reduction: optimize energy consumption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- 📈 Competitive advantage: meet B2B client expectations and integrate into responsible supply chains.
- 🌱 Access to funding: banks, investors, and public grants now incorporate carbon criteria.
- 🏆 Brand image enhancement: demonstrate a sincere and measurable commitment to CSR.
Here is the standard method for establishing a compliant carbon footprint:
1. Define the scope: activities, sites, supply chains.
2. Collect data: energy, travel, purchases, waste, etc.
3. Convert to emissions: using emission factors (e.g., ADEME’s Base Carbone).
4. Analyze results: identify the highest-emitting areas.
5. Implement an action plan: set goals and schedule reductions.
6. Communicate and track progress: annual reporting and internal awareness.
Successfully completing a carbon footprint requires expertise, rigor, and methodology. If you don't have dedicated internal resources, hiring a specialized firm will allow you to:
- Save time,
- Ensure regulatory compliance,
- Get tailored, actionable recommendations
With its online tool connected to the Base Carbone, Altopi helps you:
- Collect relevant data,
- Calculate your GHG emissions,
- Develop a structured climate action plan,
- Meet CSRD or BEGES requirements.
👉 Book my carbon footprint assessment support
What’s next? Turning obligations into opportunities
A well-conducted carbon footprint assessment is more than just paperwork.
It’s:
- A foundation for strategic decision-making,
- A lever to win bids,
- A way to boost your ESG credibility with clients, partners, and investors.
- Carbon footprint assessments are mandatory for certain companies (based on size, sector, CSRD, etc.).
- They are based on an analysis of all 3 GHG emission scopes.
- They help cut costs, stand out, and secure your future.
- Getting professional support ensures an effective, compliant, and valuable assessment.
Key takeaways
🎯 Mandatory for companies with 500+ employees in mainland France or 250+ overseas.
🔍 Analysis of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 for a complete picture.
📉 Economic, regulatory, and competitive benefits.
🛠️ Altopi supports companies from start to finish.
🌍 Skipping your carbon assessment today means falling behind tomorrow.
Your company's sustainable performance
