On March 18, 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the Royal Decree on Carbon Footprint, requiring many companies and the entire General State Administration to calculate, reduce, and publish their environmental impact.
You might have a lot of questions now: Who does it apply to? From when? What does this mean? That’s exactly why we’re here—to explain it to you.
What is the goal of this change? The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable economy.
With mandatory carbon footprint, companies now have new obligations and challenges to meet in order to comply with Spain’s legal and environmental framework.
If you don’t know what it is, don’t worry—we’ll give you a quick summary.
The carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced by an activity, company, or organization. Until now, measuring it was optional—you did it if your suppliers required it, or you might not have measured it at all. With this Royal Decree on Carbon Footprint, calculating and reducing emissions is no longer optional.
It is now a legal requirement aimed at:
The Vice President of the Government and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, stated:
“Measuring the carbon footprint allows us to reduce emissions, improve production processes, become more efficient and competitive, drive innovation, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.”
This Royal Decree affects a group of companies and organizations that were already required to monitor and publish their non-financial information under Law 11/2018.
This includes:
Even if your company is not yet required to comply, that doesn’t mean it won’t be affected. More and more businesses are measuring and reducing their carbon footprint, and your clients, suppliers, and business partners will demand it.
If you don’t adapt, you risk losing opportunities to competitors who do.
We are in a market where sustainability is a decisive factor—falling behind is not an option. If your company doesn’t take action, your competition will. The real question is not whether you should measure your carbon footprint, but how long you can afford not to.
What does this new regulation require? Companies and organizations must now take on new environmental responsibilities, including:
Since 2014, Spain has had a Carbon Footprint Registry, where companies and institutions voluntarily registered. However, with this new regulation, the registry will expand, and more businesses will be included.
So far, on a voluntary basis, the registry has achieved:
With the new regulation, the registry will likely include:
The Royal Decree on Carbon Footprint is not just a legal requirement—it’s a strategic opportunity. Sustainability is no longer optional.
Measuring and reducing the carbon footprint can make the difference between leading the market or losing ground. Companies that fail to manage their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data risk falling behind.
Meanwhile, those that take control will see clear benefits:
One thing is clear: businesses that act now to control their sustainability will secure their place in the future.
For companies and organizations required to report, compliance is immediate. There will be regular reviews to ensure compliance and track emission reduction plans.
Failing to comply could result in:
Complying with the regulation is just the first step. The companies that go beyond compliance are the ones that stand out in the market. At Dcycle, we help transform sustainability into a strategic advantage.
With our technology and team of experts, you can:
With Dcycle, you won’t just comply with regulations—you’ll leverage your ESG data to stand out, enhance your reputation, and unlock new business opportunities.
It’s not just about compliance—it’s about becoming a market leader.
To comply with the mandatory carbon footprint regulation, here are some key steps:
With a solution like Dcycle, your company won’t just meet legal requirements—it will maximize ESG data, unlock new business opportunities, and maintain a leadership position in an increasingly sustainability-driven market.
Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
The most recognized methodologies are:
Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.
Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.
Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.