I4CE is part of the approach launched by Labos 1point5 to reduce the environmental footprint of research activities. Since 2019, the Institute has committed to publishing its own carbon footprint every year. This is an opportunity to find out how much I4CE emits and where the Institute’s greenhouse gas emissions come from. A clear understanding of this carbon footprint is also a prerequisite for action. It is then a question of using this carbon assessment to structure a dynamic plan to reduce emissions. For example, the Institute has committed to stop flying if a low-carbon alternative exists that takes less than 6 hours.
The result of the assessment
The last carbon assessment carried out by I4CE shows that the Institute emitted 66 tCO2e in 2020.
This assessment covers all areas of the Institute from manufacturing through to communications, the scope of this assessment includes the use of equipment, building and staff resourcing as well as travel of its employees (see illustration below on the scope of analysis). In relation to the number of employees, I4CE emits 2.6 tCO2e/year/FTE [1]. In comparison, the average annual carbon footprint of a French person is 11.5 tCO2e.