Reducing Carbon Footprint: A Guide for Tunisian Businesses
As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy and combats climate change, many companies are facing a fundamental question: how to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining competitiveness? Decarbonization is no longer an option, but a necessity, not only to preserve the environment but also to meet the increasingly stringent demands of markets and consumers. So, how can businesses succeed in this transformation?
This guide, developed as part of the "Support for the Modernization of Tunisian Industry (PACE-AMIT)" program and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), provides clear steps to accompany Tunisian businesses in this process. Implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy (MIME), it aims to make decarbonization accessible and concrete, even for those who have not yet started taking action in this area.
Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The first essential step is to understand the scope of the problem. How can you reduce what you don't know? The company must conduct a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. This can be done using tools such as the GHG Protocol, the Bilan Carbone®, or the ISO 14064-1 standard. Once emissions are quantified, the company can identify the main sources of pollution, whether direct or indirect.
This inventory is an indispensable step that must be regularly renewed. It not only allows companies to comply with legal requirements but also responds to the growing pressure from customers and partners seeking environmentally responsible businesses.
Building a Low-Carbon Strategy
Once the diagnosis is made, it is crucial to define a clear strategy to reduce emissions. This involves developing a concrete action plan that includes short, medium, and long-term objectives. The plan must be realistic and measurable. For companies starting their low-carbon strategy, expert accompaniment is strongly recommended to ensure successful implementation.
Monitoring progress is equally important. Performance indicators must be put in place to track actions taken and adjust course based on results obtained. This approach contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and exploring new opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Implementing Reduction Actions
Moving from strategy to action requires rigorous steering. Each initiative must be continuously monitored to ensure its proper implementation. Emission reduction is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process of improvement. Companies must adapt their production processes, energy choices, and resource management methods to meet their objectives.
This phase is a key moment to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions while reducing environmental impact. This could include adopting new technologies, modifying supply chains, or investing in renewable energy.
Compensating Residual Emissions
Despite all reduction efforts, some emissions may still persist. In this case, compensation becomes a useful tool. This can take the form of purchasing certified carbon credits according to international standards such as VCM. However, compensation should never be used as an excuse to avoid reducing emissions at the source. It should be considered as a complementary step, allowing the company to approach carbon neutrality.
Communicating Progress
Transparency is essential in this process. To reinforce the credibility of their efforts, companies must regularly communicate their emissions and progress made. Frameworks such as TCFD, CDP, or CSRD enable detailed and transparent reporting, while enhancing the company's image among stakeholders, including customers, investors, and other business partners.
