All you need to know about your company’s carbon footprint‍

According to Net Zero Tracker, more than 1,000 companies have already committed to net zero targets, double compared to 2020. The trend is clear: reducing the carbon footprint is now a condition for staying competitive and complying with current regulations such as CSRD. Are you ready to show that your business is taking a step forward?

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What is a carbon footprint?

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The carbon footprint represents the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a company’s activities. These emissions are divided into three categories, known as “scopes”:

• Scope 1: direct emissions from owned sources, such as fuel combustion in boilers or company fleet.
  
• Scope 2: indirect emissions from purchased energy, such as electricity or heating.
• ‍Scope 3: other indirect emissions from the value chain, grouped into 15 categories under the GHG Protocol (purchases, transport, waste, product use and end-of-life, etc.). These are usually the largest and hardest to manage, but essential for a complete picture of impact.

Why measure your company’s carbon footprint?

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Calculating the carbon footprint brings immediate, concrete benefits. First, it is a necessary step for compliance with mandatory reporting (CSRD, EU Taxonomy, SBTi). Second, clients are increasingly demanding clear emissions data from their suppliers, meaning the lack of such data can result in losing important contracts.

Beyond compliance, measuring your carbon footprint helps you identify areas of energy waste, reduce operational costs, and improve efficiency. A well-documented reduction plan also strengthens your market reputation and gives easier access to funding and investments.

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How do you measure the carbon footprint?
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Our team supports you step by step in calculating your carbon footprint, starting with a clear definition of your company’s boundaries and operations. Then, we collect data on consumption and activities and convert them into CO₂ equivalents using emission factors. Next comes the “hotspot” analysis, where we identify major emission sources, set realistic targets, and create a tailored reduction plan.

To make this process clear and effective, we use internationally recognized methods and tools: the GHG Protocol standard, Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for products, and environmental management systems for ongoing monitoring and reporting.

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How do you reduce your carbon footprint?

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Once you have a clear picture of your emissions, the most important step follows: reducing them. The measures we recommend include:

• Investing in renewable energy through green energy contracts or solar panel installation
  
• Improving energy efficiency through audits, LED use, better insulation, and optimized building temperatures
  
• Reducing value chain emissions by collaborating with suppliers on renewable energy use and optimizing logistics
  
• Cutting mobility emissions by prioritizing online meetings, public transport, or carpooling
  
• Educating and engaging employees through awareness programs and sustainability training, so each department actively contributes to emission reduction.
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Is it mandatory to calculate your carbon footprint?‍

General Framework: The CSRD Directive (EU 2022/2464)

At the European level, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires large and listed companies to disclose detailed information about their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.
One of the key obligations is the reporting of carbon emissions (GHG Scope 1, 2, and 3), along with the creation of a decarbonization plan aligned with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target.

Companies are required to report under the CSRD if they meet at least two of the following criteria:

• more than 250 employees;
• €50 million or more in annual turnover;
• €25 million or more in total assets.

The sustainability statement must be included in the annual management report and externally assured (limited audit assurance).

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National Implementation Across EU Member States

Each EU member state has started transposing the CSRD into national law.
In addition to the EU-wide requirements, several countries have introduced extra rules related to carbon footprint reporting and emission reduction plans.

Romania

Romania transposed the CSRD through Order of the Ministry of Finance No. 85/2024, applicable to medium and large enterprises, as well as public-interest entities.

Inclusion thresholds:

• Large companies – at least 2 of: over 250 employees, assets above 105 million RON (~€23.7M), turnover above 210 million RON (~€47.3M);
• Medium companies – over 50 employees, assets above 17.5 million RON (~€3.9M), turnover above 35 million RON (~€7.9M).

These entities must report GHG emissions Scope 1–3 and ensure external audit of their sustainability report.

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France

France was among the first EU countries to introduce environmental disclosure rules.
Under the French Commercial Code (updated December 2023), large and listed companies must publish annual information on their greenhouse gas emissions and reduction targets.

Applies to companies with:

• more than 500 employees, or
• €40 million in turnover, or
• €20 million in total assets.

Reporting must include all emission scopes (1–3) and requires external audit.

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Italy

Italy adopted Legislative Decree No. 125/2024, which implements the CSRD.
It applies to large companies and listed medium-sized enterprises that meet at least two of the following:

• more than 250 employees;
• €40 million in turnover;
• €20 million in assets.

Reports must include full GHG emissions (Scope 1–3) and decarbonization targets aligned with EU 2030–2050 goals.

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Germany

Germany is finalizing CSRD implementation within its Commercial Code (HGB).
Large companies - defined by the same CSRD thresholds (250+ employees, €50M turnover, €25M assets) - will be required to report according to ESRS standards, which include full carbon footprint disclosure (Scope 1–3).
External audit of sustainability information will be mandatory.

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The Netherlands

The Dutch implementation of CSRD obliges large and listed companies to report ESG data following the ESRS framework.
Applies to entities exceeding 250 employees, €50 million turnover, or €25 million in total assets.
Reports must cover direct and indirect emissions and undergo external assurance.

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Spain

Spain introduced additional rules through Royal Decree 214/2025, expanding the CSRD requirements.
Large companies, public entities, and major event organizers must:

• report annual GHG emissions (Scope 1–2 mandatory, Scope 3 from 2028);
• prepare a 10-year emission reduction plan with five-year interim targets.

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Denmark

Under Denmark’s new Accounting Act, ESG reporting is mandatory for large and listed entities.
The thresholds are:

• over 250 employees,
• turnover above 391 million DKK (~€52 million), or
• total assets above 195 million DKK (~€26 million).

Reports must follow ESRS standards and include external verification.

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Keep an eye on ongoing changes in the Omnibus Package, which aims to make EU rules simpler.

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Why start now?
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Reducing your carbon footprint delivers visible results such as improved operational performance, lower costs, attracting investors, and building client trust. Moreover, a solid climate strategy ensures long-term resilience in a constantly changing economic and legislative context.

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How can we help?
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At ECONOS, we support you in calculating your carbon footprint in line with international standards and building a realistic reduction plan. We provide simple tools for data collection, transparent calculation for Scopes 1, 2, and 3, detailed analysis of major impact areas, and clear recommendations.

If you want to find out your company’s main sources of emissions and how you can turn them into opportunities for efficiency and savings, contact us.

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Sources: Center for Climate & Energy Solutions, Shred Station, The Guardian

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