Net Zero Initiative in a nutshell
This initiative, supported by ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency) and carried out by our partner Carbone 4, is unique in its kind, since it stems from a position shared by the majority of firms, project developers and software publishers on the question of how to contribute to Net Zero.
The aim is to define the foundations of a corporate climate strategy and a rigorous, ambitious carbon trajectory, in line with science and the objectives of the Paris Agreement, enabling us to achieve global carbon neutrality in the long term.
The signatories call on all organizations, whatever their size or sector, to put them into practice to build a climate strategy that meets the challenges.
The 10 principles
01 - Net zero refers above all to the planetary ambition to balance GHG emissions and carbon sinks.
The main objective of climate action is to limit global warming to the temperature target set out in the Paris Agreement, by urgently mobilizing the means to collectively achieve zero net global GHG emissions in the second half of the century.02 - For a company, having a net zero strategy means making the transformations necessary to achieve global carbon neutrality by 2050.
A corporate climate strategy must aim to make the company's activities compatible with a world of net zero emissions by 2050, and must contribute at the right level to the achievement of this net zero planetary objective, on different lines of action.03 - To structure their climate action, companies need to distinguish between three different types of action, which are not fungible: reduction, avoidance and sequestration.
A company has three levers around which to structure its climate strategy: reducing emissions in its value chain, helping others to reduce their emissions, and developing carbon sinks. These levers must be measured, objectified, monitored and reported separately.04 - Reducing corporate emissions must be the top priority for climate action.
For most of their activities, reducing direct and indirect emissions at the right level and at the right speed must be the top priority of a company's climate strategy.05 - Companies need to measure and communicate all the emissions in their value chain.
The company's GHG footprint must be measured at least for all direct emissions and significant indirect emissions.06 - Emission reduction targets must be consistent with climate science.
It is essential that companies set targets for reducing their carbon footprint as a matter of priority. For a credible climate strategy, these targets must be compatible with the 1.5°C or well-below 2°C carbon budgets. These objectives must be specified for medium- and long-term horizons.07 - Beyond mere commitments, companies urgently need to achieve concrete, rapid results in reducing their emissions.
A climate strategy is only worthwhile if it leads to real reductions in the company's GHG emissions, in line with the trajectory set. To achieve this, it is imperative to define a corporate transformation plan, which must be monitored and steered dynamically. Companies must equip themselves with the resources to match their ambitions.08 - Companies must contribute as much as possible to the decarbonization of their ecosystem by generating avoided emissions.
In addition to reducing their own emissions, companies are encouraged to contribute to decarbonization beyond their carbon footprint, on the one hand by developing their range of 1.5°C-compatible low-carbon products and services that avoid emissions for their customers, and on the other hand by financing additional emissions reductions outside their value chain.09 - Companies must develop carbon sinks at the right level.
In addition to their actions to reduce emissions and contribute to the decarbonization of third parties (emission avoidance), companies are encouraged to contribute at the right level to the sustainable sequestration of CO2 in carbon sinks, acting as a priority within their value chain.10 - If companies wish to communicate their climate strategy, they must do so rigorously and beyond reproach.
Companies are invited to communicate transparently and sincerely on their climate strategy, focusing on their concrete results, and using indicators and language that help promote a rigorous approach to the climate issue.
Further information
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