5.3 - Definition of the transition trajectory
How to build a low-carbon transition trajectory?
The low-carbon transition pathway describes how and by what means the organisation will evolve to achieve its GHG emissions reduction objective (whether short, medium or long term). It is the trend of the organisation's carbon intensity.
It represents a series ofsteps linking the organisation's current state (calculated emissions profile) to its transition objectives and to the vision the organisation has of itself in a low-carbon world.
These steps are calculated and defined by quantifying the reduction potentials of the actions. They help justify the achievement of intermediate milestones of the objectives that the organisation sets for itself, in the short or longer term depending on its maturity.
Thus, within the framework of the Bilan Carbone®, the pathway is considered to be defined using a bottom-up approach (so-called bottom-up): the reduction potentials of the actions make it possible to define the pathway that justifies the credibility of achieving the objective.
Requirements relating to the transition pathway
Depending on the organisation's maturity level, expectations differ:
Beginner level: criterion R1
The quantification of the overall reduction volume of the transition plan makes it possible to build a pathway using a bottom-up approach.
The pathway is defined over 3–4 years, i.e. the period of renewal of the assessment.
It justifies the achievement of a short-term objective (horizon of the next assessment) consistent with the overall objective.
Intermediate level: criterion R2
The quantification of the reduction potential of the actions makes it possible to build a pathway using a bottom-up approach.
The pathway is defined over 10 years.
It links the GHG profile and justifies the achievement of short-term objectives (horizon of the next assessment) and medium-term objectives (horizon 2030 or over about ten years) consistent with theoverall objective. This means that the total estimated reduction allows at minimum to follow the trend set by the objectives.
Advanced level: criterion R3
The organisation establishes or consolidates a pathway using a bottom-up approach over 30 years.
The pathway incorporates intermediate reduction steps, defined thanks to the quantification of the reduction potential of the actions that the organisation undertakes. Strategic actions are included, with a longer-term reduction.
Consolidation : For this Advanced level, the organisation can rely on its climate strategy resulting from pre-existing or complementary work. If such an approach has been followed upstream, the Bilan Carbone® here serves to steer this pathway (and possibly to evaluate or reorient it).
🔎 It is therefore recommended to draw on methods such as ACT Step by Step or equivalent.
This pathway justifies the achievement of short-term objectives (annual horizon), medium-term objectives (horizon 2030 or over about ten years) and long-term objectives (horizon 2050) consistent with theoverall objective. This means that for an Advanced level the total estimated reduction enables one to do better than the trend set by the objectives.
🌐 English version of this image.
🔎 To express the Bilan Carbone® with an "analytical" reading, consistent with the analytical carbon accounting, the organisation's overall pathway can be supported by pathways by analytical axis. The objectives and reduction potentials will not necessarily be the same depending on activities, teams or any other chosen analytical axes. Each manager commits to their own pathway and their own emissions. The consolidation of the pathways and actions envisaged by each manager helps feed or verify the consistency of the overall pathway.
In conclusion and as a reminder, constructing a pathway can be a specific complementary exercise. Within the framework of the Bilan Carbone® at Beginner and Intermediate levels, the requirements are achievable because it is a translation of the quantified reduction (bottom-up approach) by the action plan. However, for the Advanced level, it will be necessary to carry out (or have carried out) a true climate strategy, such as specified in the introduction.
Do you have a comprehension question? See the FAQ. The method is living and therefore likely to evolve (clarifications, additions): find the tracking of changes here.
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