An Overview of Corporate Carbon Reporting Mechanisms Around the World: Is France a Top Performer?

At a time when public and private stakeholders (particularly investors) are taking a growing interest in companies’ environmental policies, access to companies’ “energy/climate” data is emerging as a priority for climate policy development. Carbone 4, a consulting firm specializing in energy transition and climate change adaptation, has published a report that assesses corporate carbon reporting mechanisms worldwide and offers recommendations.

In a regulatory system that is still in its early stages—most mandatory reporting mechanisms were established between 2010 and 2015—France stands out as a model student.

In fact, depending on the countries in question, the scope of reported emissions varies significantly. While most countries limit their reporting requirements to direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1), in some countries, companies are nevertheless encouraged to report their indirect emissions (upstream and downstream Scope 3).

Our report shows that with the publication of the decree implementing Article 173 –IV of the Energy Transition Act, France has become the first country in the world to mandate reporting on “significant direct and indirect emissions across the company’s entire value chain, i.e., including both upstream and downstream activities”. This includes, for example, the use of products sold, as well as all upstream emissions in the supply chain.

The publication of this decree therefore represents a major step forward in carbon regulation and the best path toward a transition that will meet the “2°C” target adopted by all nations at COP21.

Press Contact

Dorothée Coloby Phone: +33 (0)1 76 21 10 00 dorothee.coloby@carbone4.com

About Carbone 4

Founded by Alain Grandjean and Jean-Marc Jancovici, Carbone 4 is an independent consulting firm specializing in the energy transition, which offers its expertise to public and private sector organizations. Convinced that proactively addressing carbon constraints is the best possible approach, Carbone 4 works with its clients to help them transform these constraints into a powerful driver of innovation, a source of competitive advantage, and a motivator for their teams.

www.carbone4.com