We were proud to take part in the 2025 Objective Decarbonation Summit at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, as the sole voice in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry. Held on July 1, the event convened government officials, climate experts and private sector leaders to explore solutions for achieving net zero.
We showcased our expert sustainability solutions across three high-level roundtable discussions, highlighting the importance of third-party verification, data credibility and collaboration across value chains as essential levers for climate action. Our speakers shared practical insights from our global sustainability work, ranging from emissions assurance and circularity to regulatory readiness and operational transformation.
Global decarbonization strategies
In a session moderated by Bpifrance Climate Director Isabelle Albertalli, Alexandra Fabbro, our Head of Group Sustainability Solutions, joined government representatives from Germany and Monaco to explore international decarbonization strategies.
Alexandra emphasized that while ambition is growing, many companies still struggle with inconsistent Scope 3 data, regulatory uncertainty and limited technical capacity, particularly among SMEs. She called for stronger carbon pricing, legal clarity, energy infrastructure investment and global standards alignment to accelerate the transition.
She also highlighted how we are responding through our own Net Zero roadmap, SBTi alignment and rapidly expanding portfolio of climate services. Client demand is rising for verified carbon accounting, supply chain audits, digital tools and life cycle assessments – all areas where our expertise helps turn ambition into verifiable impact.
Building trust through transparent value chains
David Cau, our Head of Sustainability Reporting Services, took part in a roundtable, providing a powerful case for value chain engagement. He explained how third-party verification builds trust and accountability – not just for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, but across the entire product lifecycle.
David also outlined the critical role of frameworks such as the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), AA1000 and climate scenario analysis in building credible climate strategies. He called for stronger collaboration across sectors and highlighted our contributions to circularity, traceability and ESG risk management.
His key message: progress requires more than commitments, it demands cooperation, transparency and verified results.
Reducing emissions through operational transformation
Frédéric Schenk, our Head of Industrial Assurance, closed the summit with a panel on driving emissions reductions through operational change. Drawing on global case studies, he illustrated how measurable decarbonization starts with practical actions – from redesigning cold chains in Asia to supervising hydrogen infrastructure in Europe and ensuring the quality of offshore wind projects worldwide.
Frédéric emphasized the need for sector-specific roadmaps, built on regulatory clarity, collaboration and real-world expertise. He also shared our role in a green hydrogen initiative linking Oman and Switzerland – an example of how early investment, even before regulation is in place, can accelerate innovation. Our goal: to help businesses turn complexity into credible climate progress, through tailored support and independent assurance.
Driving credible climate action
As the only TIC industry representative at the summit, we reinforced our role in providing independent assurance in accelerating credible climate action. From global strategy to ground-level implementation, we help businesses navigate complexity and meet rising expectations from regulators, investors and society.
Learn more about how our IMPACT NOW services can support your decarbonization journey.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
