The global impact of climate change is undeniable, with Earth's temperature rising by one degree Celsius since the late 1970s. Committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming below 2°C, with efforts to reach 1.5°C, EasyMile recognizes the need to play a role in the fight against global warming.
Carbon audit as a first step
To understand our environmental impact, we conducted a comprehensive "carbon audit." This involved assessing the environmental footprint of our activities, with a focus on identifying emission hot spots along our company's value chain. Our carbon footprint serves as a roadmap for developing targeted action plans.
Recognizing the complexity of measuring carbon emissions, we collaborated with a specialized firm, to build our footprint. Going forward, our CSR representatives have been trained to independently calculate emissions. Our methodology involves reviewing expenses and operations to quantify emissions in CO2e, a unit that considers various greenhouse gasses' warming potential in relation to CO2.
Good news: our emissions have already reduced
In 2022, EasyMile's total emissions were 1260 t CO2e, showing a reduction from 1473 t CO2e in 2021. To provide context, we compute emissions per employee, resulting in 4.9 t CO2e/employee (compared to 6.1 t CO2e in 2021). The French national emissions in 2022 were 403.8 Mt CO2e.
Finding alternatives to flying
In 2022, business travel, especially flights, remained a significant emission factor. Initiatives like remote maintenance and video conferences will be prioritized to reduce the need for travel, with train travel favored for shorter trips.
Data versus monetary value
Emissions from purchased services, including intellectual services, R&D, and insurance, increased by 50%. Efforts will be made to refine data and use real emission values instead of monetary factors.
Stability for our offices
Office emissions remained stable, calculated based on kg CO2e/m² ratio, covering construction work over standard durations.
Raw platforms, hardware and partner inputs
Raw platforms and hardware inputs contributed to emissions, with some partners providing life-cycle assessments to aid in emission calculations.
A lot of us are vegetarian
Employee meals accounted for a significant proportion of emissions. A survey revealed that around 40% of meals were vegetarian, emitting only 10%.
We’re still driving too much
While only 20% of employees commuted by combustion vehicles, the high emissions associated with combustion made up 88% of commuting emissions.
After COVID restrictions in 2021, business travels and purchased services emissions increased by 50%. Office emissions remained stable, and efforts to refine data for purchased goods emissions are ongoing.
Several limitations, including unreliable data for 16% of purchased services emissions, difficulty in obtaining visitor travel data, and challenges in computing energy consumption in some offices, were acknowledged.
What we will do to keep moving toward a carbon-reduced future
Our Carbon Footprint Report is a tool for assessing progress and planning future actions. Key steps include:
- Challenge Business Travel: Reducing the need for travel through remote maintenance and video conferences, prioritizing train travel.
- Supplier Selection: Considering carbon criteria when choosing suppliers, favoring those with sustainable practices.
- Electronics: Prioritizing refurbished computers and phones to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Employee Awareness: Continuing efforts to raise awareness through communication and initiatives like Climate Fresks.
- Recycling: Enhancing recycling facilities at our offices to improve overall recycling practices.
EasyMile remains steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, using the Carbon Footprint Report as a foundation for continuous improvement and impactful actions toward a greener future.