Faced with European and national climate goals, companies are called upon to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. A new tool, L.I.S.E., spearheaded by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, aims to practically support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this transition. Deployed on a national scale, this initiative marks a new phase in the support of economic players.
The European Union sets a precise course for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A reduction of 80 to 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 is expected. In France, the National Low Carbon Strategy plans for a 40% reduction by 2030. The transport and industrial sectors account for a significant share of emissions. Nevertheless, small and medium enterprises are also contributing to this collective effort.
In this context, the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur has partnered with ten French and Italian partners to launch, in October 2023, the INTERREG ALCOTRA – Mission Carb 0 project. This program is set over a 36-month period. The goal is to address the lack of resources that many businesses have to initiate a decarbonization process. Three years after its launch, a dynamic has been established within the consular network.
A structuring tool for businesses
A concrete mechanism now supports this initiative. L.I.S.E., standing for “Limit Your Impacts and Track Your Emissions,” is a simplified carbon diagnostic tool. The development was carried out by the CCIs of Nice Côte d’Azur and Savoie, with support from Arts et Métiers. L.I.S.E. allows quick estimation of the carbon footprint, whether direct or indirect, by integrating the three emission scopes.
Beyond diagnostics, the tool offers a personalized action plan. This gives companies pathways to reduce emissions and improve energy performance. It is now being deployed throughout all Chambers of Commerce and Industry. More than 250 advisors have been trained to use this tool by the CCI teams involved in its development.
An additional step has been achieved with certification from AFNOR. This recognition attests to conformity with international standards, such as the GHG Protocol and the ISO 14064-1 standard. Thus, L.I.S.E. is aligned with a recognized methodological framework for carbon emissions quantification.
Targeted experiments in industrial sectors
The industry accounts for about a quarter of CO2 emissions. In the ALCOTRA region, located between France and Italy, industrial history partly explains a dependency on fossil fuels. Several hurdles remain for businesses, such as a lack of resources, complex procedures, or a multitude of available tools.
An experiment was conducted in 2024 with fifteen companies from different sectors: aromas and perfumes, agri-food, mechatronics, and mountain industries. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, these structures received support for more than a year. This support combined a simplified carbon diagnosis, individual consulting, and collective sessions.
This phase allowed the tool to be tested in varied contexts. Companies could initiate concrete actions to reduce their emissions. The collective approach also facilitated the exchange of best practices.
An adaptation to mountain territories
In mountainous areas, environmental constraints strongly influence economic activity. A specific program was implemented under the name “Zero Carbon Mountain Pathway.” This program involves the Sud Region, the Mountain Cluster, and GRDF.
The pathway spans nine months and involves about twenty companies. Each participant benefits from a diagnosis via L.I.S.E., individualized support, and three collective sessions. The goal is to build an operational roadmap for decarbonization.
Fourteen companies participated in this initiative in 2025. A new session is planned for 2026, with a launch announced for April 16. This renewal reflects the interest generated by this localized approach.
A national-scale ramp-up
The year 2025 marks a milestone with the mission entrusted to the consular network by the State. The support for businesses in decarbonization now relies on L.I.S.E. at a national level. In 2025, 346 companies were supported within this framework.
By March 2026, more than 700 companies have registered on the platform. In the Alpes-Maritimes, more than 40 companies have already received support from the Industry and Energy Hub. The demand is growing, driven by regulatory and economic challenges.
To meet this demand, the CCI Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has partnered with ADEME PACA. This partnership facilitates the funding of diagnostics, now fully covered for the concerned companies.
The Azurian territory is aligning with this evolution. Fabienne Gastaud, vice-president of the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur, highlights the stakes: “National expectations are clear: France aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, requiring the industry to reduce emissions by 35% by 2030. Decarbonization necessitates a profound transformation of our French industrial fabric. But for businesses, it is not just a regulatory constraint but also a lever for overall performance, allowing cost reduction through energy optimization, easier access to financing, and strengthened competitiveness in increasingly environmentally sensitive markets. The innovative approach of the L.I.S.E. tool, deployed at the national level, helps initiate a dynamic among sectors recognized as particularly carbon-intensive.”
