Once the carbon footprint is assessed, the subsequent action should be to reduce or offset the emissions produced. The primary goal in combating climate change is to decrease the overall carbon footprint. This requires a significant transformation of the company’s economic model and value chain. Key areas of focus include reducing emissions from procurement, distribution, water and waste management, energy consumption, and especially emissions from the production process, aiming to lower emissions per product or per unit of revenue.

Despite implementing these reduction strategies, achieving carbon neutrality remains challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to compensate for the remaining carbon footprint.

Offsetting carbon emissions involves supporting initiatives that absorb an amount of CO2 equivalent to what the company generates. These initiatives can include energy efficiency projects, switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, waste management, protecting areas at risk of deforestation, and creating carbon sinks through reforestation. Such projects offer additional benefits, enhancing the well-being of local communities by creating jobs and improving services.

Carbon footprint offsetting is a cost-effective and efficient strategy. It plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change but must be accompanied by reduction efforts to achieve long-term environmental sustainability.