El proyecto
The Girona Provincial Council wanted to move towards climate neutrality through a coordinated approach across its institutional group. The challenge was to develop a shared programme for ten entities with different activities, facilities, emission sources and levels of maturity.
The project needed to go beyond a one-off snapshot. It called for a comparable data baseline, identification of the main emission sources and the translation of findings into actionable decisions for each organisation. At the same time, the programme needed to establish how progress would be governed, reviewed and communicated over time.
The Climate Neutrality Programme connects three elements often addressed separately: carbon footprint calculation, emissions reduction and the offsetting of residual emissions. This integrated approach turns data into a strategy with clear responsibilities, actions and monitoring mechanisms.
Each entity receives an assessment tailored to its activities and its own action plan within a common framework. This makes it easier to prioritise realistic measures relating to energy, mobility, procurement, materials, water and waste, while retaining an overall view of the group.
Designing a dedicated offsetting programme adds a territorial dimension: it explores how to mobilise local emissions reduction or removal projects, with quality criteria, calculation methodologies, independent verification and traceability.
El enfoque
The first phase involved developing a tailored calculation tool and assessing the institutional group’s carbon footprint, covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3. The methodology structures data from each entity, enables comparisons and provides a robust basis for annual calculations.
Building on the assessment, an emissions reduction strategy was developed for 2025–2030. The programme organises actions into nine strategic areas and adapts them to the circumstances of each entity. It also includes indicators, resource estimates and a proposed governance structure through a monitoring committee.
The third phase lays the groundwork for a voluntary local offsetting programme: project types, eligibility criteria, quantification methodologies, independent verification, a digital registry and participation mechanisms. Emissions reduction always comes first; offsetting applies to emissions that cannot be avoided.
We integrate measurement, a roadmap, governance and offsetting into a single programme designed to evolve.
Aprendizajes
Working with a diverse institutional group requires a balance between consistency and flexibility. Not all entities start from the same position or can implement the same measures at the same pace. The programme therefore establishes a common methodology while allowing for entity-specific roadmaps and priorities.
Data quality, particularly for Scope 3, will continue to improve as information collection becomes more established. The programme’s value will depend on annual monitoring, coordination among those responsible and the ability to update actions as data, regulations and technical possibilities change.
This project puts in place a framework that can grow: it supports accountability, activates local climate projects and makes climate neutrality an ongoing management practice.
Climate neutrality is not a one-off milestone: it is a management system that learns, prioritises and improves.