Full definition
Three pillars: (A) reduce your emissions, (B) reduce others’ emissions (avoided emissions), (C) develop carbon sinks. Clearly separates the three to avoid greenwashing. A reference in French consulting.
Key figures
- 3 pillarsframework structure: A reduce your emissions, B help reduce emissions (avoided emissions), C remove carbon
- 2020publication of the framework by Carbone 4, with support from ADEME and the Ministry for Ecological Transition
Questions and answers
Why does NZI separate three pillars?
To prevent the confusion underpinning greenwashing: reducing your own emissions (A), helping others avoid emissions (B) and removing carbon from the atmosphere (C) are three distinct contributions, counted separately and never interchangeable. A tonne avoided at a client does not offset a tonne emitted internally.
NZI or SBTi: do you have to choose?
They complement each other: SBTi validates the reduction pathway (pillar A) with international recognition; NZI offers the clearest French framework for recognising avoided emissions (pillar B) and carbon contribution (pillar C) without confusing them with reduction.