BEGES: Regulatory Carbon Footprint
I. Definition
BEGES stands for Bilan des Émissions de Gaz à Effet de Serre.
It is the mandatory regulatory carbon footprint required for certain organizations in France.
In simple terms: BEGES is a legal obligation to measure, calculate, and report greenhouse gas emissions using a defined method and scope.
It focuses mainly on Scope 1 emissions and Scope 2 emissions, with optional Scope 3 emissions, and must be updated regularly.
II. Context
BEGES was created to ensure that organizations do not estimate emissions randomly.
It provides a standardized and regulated framework so emissions data can be checked and compared.
The methodology used in BEGES is aligned with the GHG Protocol, which gives common rules for carbon accounting.
This alignment ensures consistency between national regulation and international standards.
Companies subject to BEGES must publish their results and, in most cases, an action plan to reduce emissions.
This moves carbon accounting from internal analysis to public accountability.
Because it is regulatory, BEGES data can be reviewed by authorities.
This makes data accuracy, method clarity, and traceability essential.
III. Why it matters
At Orizscore, we see BEGES as more than a compliance exercise.
It is a stress test for data reliability.
The key question is not “did you report?”.
The key question is “can you prove what you reported?”.
If emission sources are unclear, calculations are weak, or assumptions are not documented, trust breaks down.
And once trust is lost, reporting loses its value.
BEGES forces organizations to structure their data, justify their choices, and explain results clearly.
This is exactly where transparency becomes a strategic advantage, not a constraint.
IV. Related terms
- GHG Protocol: Corporate Standard
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-corporate-standard - Scope 1 Emissions
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-scope-1-emissions - Scope 2 Emissions
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-scope-2-emissions - Scope 3 Emissions
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-scope-3-emissions
V. Example
A large French company falls under the BEGES regulation.
It must calculate emissions from fuel used in its buildings (Scope 1 emissions) and electricity consumption (Scope 2 emissions).
The company collects energy bills, fuel data, and applies official emission factors.
Results are documented and published with a reduction action plan.
Because the data is structured and traceable, the company can reuse it for other ESG reporting and demonstrate clear, verifiable climate accountability.
