CO₂ is a gas composed of carbon (C) and oxygen (O). Its presence in very small amounts in our atmosphere is what keeps the Earth around 15°C, making it habitable through the so-called "natural" greenhouse effect. In the natural CO₂ cycle, the amounts released into the air were balanced by those absorbed by the oceans, soil, and forests until humans began extracting carbon from the subsoil in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas, burning it, and releasing new amounts of CO₂ into the air, thus contributing anthropogenically (by human activity) to the warming of our atmosphere. All our current human activities contribute to this "carbonisation" and are part of an excessive warming of the atmosphere. This temperature increase has disastrous consequences on the environment, such as the melting of glaciers and ice caps, the rise of sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and the multiplication of extreme weather events. These impacts also have negative effects on biodiversity and human health. By reducing GHG emissions, we can mitigate these negative effects and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.

Decarbonisation is a necessity for all companies seeking to improve their competitiveness as well as address environmental challenges. While all economic activities impact GHG emissions, some companies are more affected than others, depending on their sector and carbon footprint. For instance, energy production companies, heavy industries, transportation, and construction are sectors that emit significant amounts of GHGs and thus have a key role to play in decarbonisation. The sustainability and carbon footprint demands of European customers are also a crucial factor for exporting companies, which must adapt to meet these requirements to maintain their competitiveness in the European market. Exporting companies are directly concerned by the CBAM, which aims to combat environmental dumping and protect European industry by imposing a tax on imports of products with a high carbon footprint.

Voluntary awareness is no longer sufficient; thus, an acceleration of decarbonisation is expected by the exercise of a client's power to demand their supplier's products or services to be as decarbonised as possible. Some countries already tax their products and services according to the GHG emissions they cause, thereby favouring sourcing from third countries. Therefore, to restore competitive balance, the CBAM plans to progressively tax imports from third countries in proportion to the GHG emissions they cause. The EU will apply this "polluter pays" clause to products from third countries, including those from North Macedonia.

To reduce your company's carbon footprint, commitment is essential. Companies must integrate decarbonisation into their strategy by setting GHG emission reduction targets and involving stakeholders in decision-making. Subsequently, identifying direct and indirect GHG emissions through a methodology that adheres to international norms and standards is necessary. Training and expertise are also available to companies.

Reduction of energy costs, improvement of brand image, regulatory compliance, and enhanced competitiveness are benefits for companies that decarbonise.

Decarbonisation can significantly impact companies' supply chains. Companies may need to review their supplier choices and favour those with eco-responsible production and transportation practices. Implementing eco-responsible practices throughout the supply chain can also reduce GHG emissions associated with suppliers' and partners' activities. Finally, decarbonisation can create opportunities for suppliers of eco-friendly products and services.

Companies can measure and communicate their progress in terms of decarbonisation by following a series of key steps, including establishing a baseline, setting goals, developing a decarbonisation strategy, measuring and tracking progress, and transparently communicating the results.

Common mistakes companies make in their decarbonisation efforts include the absence of clear reduction targets, the lack of a concrete action plan to achieve these targets, insufficient communication and awareness among stakeholders, underestimating the costs associated with decarbonisation, and the lack of employee involvement. To avoid these mistakes, companies should set clear and realistic goals, involve stakeholders in decision-making and the implementation of actions, regularly communicate their progress, and educate employees on the importance of decarbonisation.

The costs associated with decarbonisation can be significant for companies, especially in terms of investment in clean technologies, modification of production processes, and employee training. To manage these costs, companies can seek green financing with favourable conditions or investment grants; moreover, decarbonisation investments often lead to reduced energy or resource consumption, resulting in cost savings. These investments typically amortise over a few years.