As the CSR Manager for France at the Swedish multinational Securitas—which specializes in private security—Géraldine Falette explains why the training she received at the Carbone 4 Academy helped her implement her decarbonization strategy. Her feedback highlights concrete lessons learned, particularly the strategies for engaging the company’s teams in such a transformation project.

Could you tell us a little about your professional background prior to the training?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages from the University of Toulouse Jean Jaurès, during which I spent a year as an exchange student in Tokyo. I then went on to earn a master’s degree in International Project Management, with a specialization in Humanitarian Action. One of my professors was actually a consultant at Carbone 4! That’s when I realized the importance of CSR issues in the business world and knew I wanted to start my professional career in this field. After completing a work-study program at an industrial group, I was hired by Securitas, first as a CSR Coordinator and then as a CSR Manager.

What were your professional challenges at that time?

My position didn’t exist when I was hired, so I was initially assigned to the Communications Department and then to the Human Resources Department. The issue wasn’t really well-established at the time and began to gain traction when the Swedish headquarters launched the SBT initiative in 2023. Country-specific targets were assigned in late 2023, with the long-term goal of aligning with the Paris Agreement—which translated into a 42% reduction in our carbon footprint. I was given a blank roadmap that I had to fill out from start to finish. I had the theoretical foundation to do this, but I felt I needed outside inspiration and practical guidance—which is why I was interested in the “Building Your Climate Roadmap” training.

What made you decide to enroll in this course?

I had already taken the “Measuring Your Organization’s Carbon Footprint” training course in November 2023, so I was confident in the quality and effectiveness of the training offered by Académie Carbone 4. The content seemed relevant to my expectations, and I was not disappointed.

Did you find the teaching methods and tools provided helpful?

I was already familiar with the e-learning platform, and I enjoyed using it again for this second training course, which I found to be well-structured and organized; the learning process is progressive and coherent.

What aspects of the training made the biggest impression on you, and what skills or knowledge did you gain?

Two main things: first, the concrete examples shared, which allow us to apply what we’ve learned to our own situation. They were truly invaluable to me. I also needed practical guidance to understand how, in practice, to implement this climate roadmap. So I was also able to strengthen my foundational knowledge, and I learned about the concepts of transition and physical risks, which I hadn’t fully grasped before.

The second element I’ve identified is the group discussion time during virtual classes. We realize that everyone faces the same challenges, but that we’re all driven by shared convictions, that we want to move forward in the same direction, and that we share the same values—regardless of industry or company size. And that feels great!

Since these topics take time to really take hold, I see the benefits of this training more in the long term.

How have you applied what you've learned in your profession or within your company?

To the roadmap template I was given, I was able to add a “soft skills” section on change management and raising my colleagues’ awareness of environmental issues, which wasn’t included originally.

It’s not easy to get everyone on board, which is why, throughout the year leading up to the presentation of the roadmap, I organized meetings with all Securitas departments to align their activities with CSR issues.

We developed the roadmap in collaboration with the Indirect Procurement teams; I shared it with my manager, then with the other countries in the European division, as well as with the Group CSR Director. The fact that we gradually familiarized the teams with the concept beforehand led to rapid acceptance of this roadmap and its objectives.

Have you seen any tangible results since completing this training?

What stands out to me most are the concrete examples provided, which demonstrate that it is possible to bring about real change. The example of the initiatives undertaken by the Nexans Group has inspired me greatly, and even though we haven’t yet reached that level of commitment, the arguments presented make a strong case for the transition.

Have you been able to raise awareness or provide training to other colleagues on these topics? Do you feel like you’ve been able to get your teams on board?

The arguments and concrete examples provided throughout the training enabled me to raise awareness among all our teams, at least at the national level. I continued this work by launching a carbon footprint analysis so that my team could understand the ins and outs of these so-called Scopes 1, 2, and 3. There’s still work to be done because the scale of the issue hasn’t been fully grasped, but I’m careful not to rush things or single out any particular division; I prefer to share information objectively and propose accessible, achievable low-carbon solutions.

Who would you recommend this training course to, and why?

CSR managers, of course, regardless of their industry or the size of their organization, but also procurement teams for whom decarbonization is a critical issue.

Any advice for those who are still hesitant to take the plunge?

I really enjoyed taking these courses at the Carbone 4 Academy; I think they’re essential. The materials provided form a solid foundation, and the educational resources made available enable you to get started on your climate roadmap, regardless of your organization’s level of maturity.

I find this training course valuable for both my personal and professional development. Thank you to Académie Carbone 4!

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