Sami and SGS Launch Global Carbon Footprint Radar to Benchmark Corporate Climate Action
Sami and SGS have launched the Carbon Footprint Radar, a new global benchmarking initiative designed to measure how companies are actually managing and reducing their carbon emissions, addressing what the partners describe as a major gap in corporate climate data.
The annual study, supported by EDF, HEC Paris and the European business association We Are Europe, is open to companies worldwide until 26 July 2026. Organisers say it will become the first large-scale international benchmark focused on real-world carbon management practices rather than publicly stated climate commitments.
The initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of how businesses are approaching carbon accounting and decarbonisation by surveying more than 2,000 companies across more than 10 countries. The study will examine whether organisations measure their emissions, the level of detail and precision involved, the methodologies and tools being used, the budgets allocated to carbon management, and the challenges companies face in implementing climate strategies.
According to the organisers, existing information on corporate carbon management is often fragmented and heavily focused on large listed companies, making it difficult to compare practices across sectors, company sizes and geographies. The Carbon Footprint Radar seeks to create a consistent global dataset that can provide meaningful benchmarking opportunities for businesses.
In addition to analysing emissions measurement practices, the survey will assess companies’ transition plans, emissions reduction targets and internal capabilities for managing climate-related initiatives. It will also include what the organisers describe as one of the first large-scale examinations of product carbon footprinting, providing insights into how businesses are assessing and reducing the carbon impact of the products and services they sell.
The results will be segmented by country, industry sector and company size, allowing participating organisations to compare their progress against peers and identify factors that distinguish more advanced carbon management programmes from those still in the early stages of development.
Tanguy Robert, co-chief executive of Sami, said understanding where companies truly stand is essential for supporting effective decarbonisation efforts. He noted that the study is intended to focus on practical actions rather than corporate declarations, creating a detailed picture of carbon management practices across different markets and industries.
Santa Marku, Global Head of Marketing at SGS, said the initiative aligns closely with the company’s sustainability strategy and reflects the principle that effective improvement begins with accurate measurement. She said the Carbon Footprint Radar will provide organisations with a shared framework for understanding their current position and identifying opportunities for action.
The survey is expected to become an annual exercise, enabling researchers and businesses to track changes in corporate carbon management over time and monitor how climate-related practices evolve across countries and sectors. By establishing a recurring benchmark, the partners aim to create a long-term view of global progress in measuring and reducing corporate carbon footprints.
