The calculation of the carbon footprint has become an essential aspect for companies within the environmental regulatory framework.
This indicator is key to measuring environmental impact, identifying improvements in energy efficiency and aligning with sustainability objectives. With increasingly demanding regulations, calculating the carbon footprint has become essential for competitiveness and adaptation to a market aware of climate change.
At the European level, the CSRD Directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) introduces the obligation for companies subject to this directive to include the calculation of their carbon footprint as part of their sustainability reports. In Spain, in addition to these regulations, there are specific legislations in the autonomous communities that reinforce the obligation to calculate, report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
GEI
What is the carbon footprint and why is it mandatory to measure it in some cases for companies?
The carbon footprint measures the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated directly or indirectly by an organization's activities.
Its calculation makes it possible to identify areas for improvement to reduce emissions, meet climate objectives and strengthen competitiveness in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.
The mandatory nature of its calculation comes from several regulations:
- At the European level: The requires companies subject to sustainability reports to include this calculation.
- At the national level: In Spain, Law 7/2021, on Climate Change and Energy Transition, reinforces this obligation for certain companies.
- At the regional level: Several autonomous communities have also legislated, establishing specific criteria according to sectors or business sizes.
The carbon footprint measures the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated directly or indirectly by an organization's activities.
Its calculation makes it possible to identify areas for improvement to reduce emissions, meet climate objectives and strengthen competitiveness in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.
The mandatory nature of its calculation comes from several regulations:
- At the European level: The requires companies subject to sustainability reports to include this calculation.
- At the national level: In Spain, Law 7/2021, on Climate Change and Energy Transition, reinforces this obligation for certain companies.
- At the regional level: Several autonomous communities have also legislated, establishing specific criteria according to sectors or business sizes.
Regulations by autonomous communities
The regulations vary according to the autonomous community, adapting to local needs but following a common framework of climate action:
Balearic Islands
Decree 48/2021 obliges companies with more than 50 employees or a turnover of more than 10 million euros to calculate their carbon footprint and draw up an emissions reduction plan.
Navarre
Regional Law 4/2022 includes the mandatory calculation of the carbon footprint for all companies, as well as for agricultural and livestock farms operating in the community.
Community of Valencia
Law 6/2022 establishes that, from 2025, all large and medium-sized companies must calculate and register their carbon footprint annually, in addition to implementing reduction plans.
Basque Country
Law 1/2024 requires the calculation of the carbon footprint for various sectors, including public administrations, agriculture, livestock, tourism, waste management, water, services and industry, with mandatory from 2025.
Andalusia
According to Law 8/2018, companies that consume more than 1 GWh/year are obliged to calculate their carbon footprint and adopt reduction measures.
Canary Islands
Law 6/2022 imposes the calculation of the carbon footprint and the preparation of reduction plans for companies in the tourism, agricultural and livestock sector that exceed 50 employees or 10 million euros in turnover.
Catalonia
Law 16/2017 obliges companies linked to EU emissions trading, especially in transport and energy, to calculate their carbon emissions and take reduction measures.
Download the outline of the steps to follow to comply with the Carbon Footprint regulations
Implications and opportunities for companies
Compliance with these regulations means that companies must:
- Adopt advanced tools for the calculation and monitoring of their carbon footprint.
- Implement emission reduction strategies tailored to your operations.
- Integrate these processes into their sustainability reports according to CSRD standards.
While these obligations may represent an initial challenge, they also offer the opportunity to optimize processes, reduce costs associated with energy consumption, and improve the public perception of the organization as a company committed to sustainability.
SOCOTEC: Your partner for compliance in carbon footprint calculation and management
The increasing obligation to calculate the carbon footprint in Spain reinforces the path towards greater business sustainability. SOCOTEC is positioned as a strategic ally, offering specialized services for the calculation, analysis and reduction of companies' carbon emissions.
With our solutions, organizations will not only comply with national and regional regulations, but also optimize their environmental performance and strengthen their competitive position.
Do you want us to help you with the calculation and management of your carbon footprint?
Contact us and start your transition to a more sustainable future
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