Global warming caused by human activities is reaching new records every year. Every product we consume, use, and then throw away requires material and energy resources at every stage of its life cycle: production, use, and disposal. But what is our impact as citizens? To find out, here is a carbon footprint calculator that quantifies the climate impact of our daily habits.
What is a carbon footprint?
France'scarbon footprint is defined by INSEE as the quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated by a country's final domestic demand, regardless of the geographical origin of the production of goods and services intended to satisfy this consumption.
Please note, however, thatthe carbon footprint differs from the national carbon inventory, which measures emissions within the country by major sector of activity.
Measuring the link between our actions and climate change
So, to quantify our greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, we calculate ourcarbon footprint. This is the sum of the quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gases that we report in CO₂ equivalents, linked to all our daily activities: modes of transport used, diet, consumption patterns, type of housing, etc.
That is why calculating your carbon footprint allows you tounderstand the scale of the problem and identify the main areas where you need to focus your efforts.
What is the average carbon footprint of French people?
In 2022,the carbon footprint of French citizens is estimated at 9.2 tons per capita, which is equivalent to the 2019 level. This average varies greatly depending on lifestyle (travel, housing, diet, etc.). For the most part, footprints range from 4 to 15 tons per person per year. This is far too much for the planet to absorb. Experts agree that to maintain a livable Earth for all, we must reduce this footprint to 2 tons ofCO2eper year per person.
The carbon footprint simulator: find out your impact on the climate!
The purpose of the carbon footprint simulator is to help you assess your position in relation to the global target of 2 tons ofCO2 equivalent. It allows youto identify your main sources of greenhouse gasemissions and discover how to reduce them.
Which everyday actions generate the most emissions? What less polluting alternatives are available?
To obtain accurate results, the simulator asks you to provide details about various aspects of your lifestyle. Using this simulator is an essential first step toward understanding and reducing your carbon footprint, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change.
Some examples of actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint:
Accommodation:
– Renovating your home to meet low-energy building standards
– Renovating your home
– Switching from electric heating to a heat pump
You can also reduce the carbon footprint of your home (new or renovated) by choosing bio-based materials such as cellulose insulation. These materials are made from renewable plant biomass and therefore have a negative carbon footprint.
Transportation:
– Make your vehicle last longer
– Carpool
– Don't use your car for trips shorter than 5 km
Food:
– Become vegan/vegetarian
– Reduce meat consumption and/or favor poultry or pork
– Switch to "zero waste"
Now that you know your carbon footprint, you can take action to reduce it. Check out the steps you can take to reach the target of 2 tons per year per person. Depending on your lifestyle and habits, prioritize the steps that are easiest for you to take. Keep in mind that every little bit counts!
What are the carbon footprint reduction targets in France?
France has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% between 1990 and 2030. With the Energy and Climate Law adopted in 2019, it has also committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This target can only be achieved by reducing emissions by a factor of more than six compared to 1990 levels. The 2030 target will be revised shortly to bring it into line with the new European target of a 55% net reduction by 2030.
More than 51% of France's investments to achieve these objectives are in the building sector. In 2021, France spent nearly €23 billion on the energy performance of new buildings and nearly €20 billion on energy-efficient renovation of existing housing. The building sector is therefore France's main climate investment.
Source : I4CE, Panorama of Climate Finance, 2022 edition
GHG emissions from the building sector
Greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector are mainly linked to the use of fossil fuels for residential and tertiary heating.1. Overall, in 2023, the residential-tertiary sector will reach 58.4 MtCO2e, the lowest level of GHG emissions since 1990.
Thus, the carbon budget set for this sector in the SNBC-2 (adjusted in 2023) for the period 2019-2023, averaging 78 MtCO2e/year, is being met with 68.6 MtCO2ebetween 2019 and 2023.
Several factors contribute to this decline:
▪ Continued restraint in household and business spending: the government's call for restraint in 2022 was heeded in 2022 and will certainly continue in 2023
in the context of ongoing inflation in 2023.
▪ Continuation of thermal renovations of buildings, in conjunction with MaPrim'Renov measures, and installation of air-to-air and water-to-water heat pumps (up in 2023);
▪ Weather: monthly data from the Citepa barometer show that, in terms of heating months, only January and December 2023 were milder than those of 2022.
Emissions related to heating fell until April and then again in December.
▪ Energy prices and inflation: consumer prices rose by 3.7% in 2023 according to INSEE, and energy prices also increased (+5.7% in 2023).
The use of bio-based materials can drastically reduceCO2 emissions in the construction industry. By choosing materials such as wood fiber, cellulose insulation hemp, you can help reduce the industry's climate impact. In both new construction and renovation projects, the choice of materials has a significant impact on a building's carbon footprint.
Sources:
Nos Gestes Climat – ADEME
Climate figures for 2023 – Ministry for Ecological Transition
