Enterprises Sustainable development

Climate Law: what really changes?

In a context of unprecedented health, ecological and financial crisis, the year 2021 marks a turning point in the evolution of people’s awareness of these issues. A crisis marked by global warming, known for its unprecedented acceleration and its irreversible effects on the ecosystem. It is therefore essential that companies are aware of their impact […]

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In a context of unprecedented health, ecological and financial crisis, the year 2021 marks a turning point in the evolution of people’s awareness of these issues. A crisis marked by global warming, known for its unprecedented acceleration and its irreversible effects on the ecosystem. It is therefore essential that companies are aware of their impact on the environment and act accordingly. The time has come to put in place concrete actions accessible to all, a first step made with the Climate Law.

The main measures

The draft Climate Law deals with the fight against climate change and the strengthening of resilience to its effects. It was adopted by the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. This law will bring about major changes for our society. It is a way to make individuals more responsible and to make ecology part of everyone’s life.
The text resulting from the proposals of the Citizen’s Convention, aims indeed to impact the aspects of the daily life with a battery of measures of which here some examples:

=> The elimination of domestic airlines, when a train journey of less than 2h30 is possible,
=> The significant increase in the number of communities offering a vegetarian meal every day to allow the French to choose their menu according to their food preferences,
=> The ban on advertising for fossil fuels (fuels, fuel oil, gas…) to encourage the reduction of the most polluting products in advertising,
=> A nutri-score for carbon, A new label will be displayed on products to inform the French about the climate impact of what they consume and to encourage companies to design their products in a responsible manner.
=> The creation of an offence of ecocide, to further punish environmental banditry with a penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 4.5 million euros.

All of these measures will make it possible to achieve our objective of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The European Union has also strengthened this objective and now aspires to a 55% reduction.

To learn more about the history of the work and actions taken: Press Kit – Climate and Resilience Bill

What about companies in the climate bill?

According to a study by the NGO Carbon Disclosure Project, a hundred or so very large companies are responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Leading the way are the producers of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas).

According to a report by OXFAM, the survey shows that out of 35 companies analyzed, only 3 CAC40 companies have commitments compatible with a warming below +2°C. The survey also reveals that, despite companies’ commitments, the level of emissions from the CAC40 is leading us towards global warming of +3.5°C by 2100, a temperature well above the 1.5°C target set out in the Paris Agreement in 2016.

More than ever, companies have a major role to play in the ecological transition. In addition to the economic and social challenges, they must now have a positive impact on society while respecting the environment. These issues are increasingly popular with consumers, employees, local authorities, shareholders, and investors… which motivates companies to go further in their approach.

And one of the stated goals of the climate and resilience bill is to support “the transition of production models to be decarbonized.” But if the measures taken seem light compared to the changes needed to initiate the transition at all levels of the company, the law still opens up promising areas for change. Carbon score on non-food consumer goods, increased transparency towards consumers, energy renovation of buildings, development of deposit systems, generalization of bulk on 20% of sales areas… the sectors of activity impacted by these changes are numerous and allow us to get our feet wet.

Awareness of managers, SMEs, ETIs and large groups

A survey conducted among business leaders on the consideration of social and environmental issues has shown that 88% of the leaders of SMEs and large companies are aware that they have a responsibility in this ecological transition. They are ready to change their model, regardless of the size of their company. They now need a new framework to innovate and accelerate in this direction.
Other important figures show that leaders are eager to move forward, for example:

– 95% report that developing a business model that is fun to work in is an important motivator,
– 92% say they are concerned about developing an environmentally friendly business,
– 69% believe that the value generated by their company should be used to support the ecological transition of their company.

To learn more about the survey conducted by Harris interactive: Presentation of the results

Existing solutions

Setting up a label, new digital tools or solidarity programs… To ensure this transformation, many solutions are available to companies, but above all they need to be guided and supported in their approach.

CitizenWave, first collaborative platform dedicated to sustainable development, allows you to raise awareness, involve and strengthen the commitment of your employees in a concrete CSR strategy. Beyond its technology, CitizenWave accompanies companies at each stage of their strategy development, thanks to action mechanisms that are quick to implement.

For more information: How to adopt an effective and adapted environmental strategy?

To go further…

To optimize this transition, companies can also work on their “raison d’être” or for the more mature ones to obtain the status of “company with a mission”. Thus, with the Loi Pacte enacted in 2019 in France, it is now possible for companies to formalize their willingness to direct part of their priority objectives beyond the strict economic sphere.

Highlighting these objectives in the bylaws, through a willingness to share and involve the company’s stakeholders and especially employees, is a powerful motivator for the company and its ecosystem. To date, 123 companies have adopted a raison d’être.

Often described as the new backbone of the company, the raison d’être is a sign that companies have new challenges ahead of them: both to get employees on board and to build a new strategic direction while sustaining their business model.

Want to accelerate your social commitment?ASK FOR A DEMO!

28-05-2021

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