01

"Net zero" refers primarily to the global ambition of balancing GHG emissions and carbon sinks.

The main objective of climate action is to limit warming to the temperature target defined in the Paris Agreement, by urgently mobilizing to collectively achieve zero net GHG emissions globally in the second half of the century.

02

For a company, having a net zero strategy means wanting to make the necessary transformations to achieve global carbon neutrality in 2050.

A corporate climate strategy must aim to make the company's activities compatible with a net zero emissions world in 2050, and must contribute at the right level to the achievement of this net zero planetary objective, through different lines of action.

03

To structure their climate action, companies must distinguish 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 the emissions of companies must be the primary topic of their climate action.

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 must measure and report on all the emissions in their value chain.

The measurement of the company's GHG footprint must be carried out on, at least, all direct emissions and significant indirect emissions.

06

Emission reduction targets must be consistent with climate science.

As a matter of priority, companies must set targets for reducing their carbon footprint. For a credible climate strategy, these objectives 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, it is urgent that companies obtain concrete and rapid results on the reduction of their emissions.

A climate strategy is only valuable if it leads to real reductions in the company's GHG emissions, in line with the set trajectory. To achieve this, it is imperative to define a business transformation plan, which must be monitored and managed dynamically. Companies must provide themselves with the means to achieve their ambitions.

08

Companies must contribute as much as possible to the decarbonization of their ecosystem by avoiding emissions.

In addition to reducing their emissions, companies are encouraged to contribute to decarbonization beyond their carbon footprint, both by developing their range of low-carbon compatible products and services that avoid emissions at their customers' sites, and by financing additional emissions reductions outside their value chain.

09

Companies must develop carbon sinks at the right level.

In addition to reducing their emissions and contributing 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, by acting as a priority within their value chain.

10

If companies want to communicate their climate strategy, they must do so in a rigorous and impeccable manner.

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.