Companies in Poland are increasingly taking tangible steps towards broad-based decarbonisation, not out of obligation, but out of conviction that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience to climate-related risks are not only necessary but also profitable. This is the key conclusion of our Foundation’s latest report, titled “Decarbonisation is Already Here.” It is the first publication of its kind in Poland to comprehensively showcase concrete and measurable actions taken by companies, both large enterprises and SMEs, that are consciously reducing their carbon footprint, implementing decarbonisation strategies, and investing in climate resilience.
Report Partners: Polish Development Fund, Responsible Business Forum, National Chamber of Commerce, Orange Polska
The report was funded by the European Climate Foundation and the Climate&Strategy Foundation’s own resources.
Media patron: Business Insider Polska
The report “Decarbonisation is Already Here” presents an accurate picture of climate transformation within Polish companies. It shows that despite persistent systemic barriers, many organisations are not only adapting to new regulations, but often anticipating them. It emphasises that legal pressure is no longer the sole motivator; rather, it is business logic and rising expectations from stakeholders—customers, investors, and financial institutions.
“Just a few years ago, in our report ‘Better Late Than Too Late’, we warned that failing to take action on climate would reduce the competitiveness of Polish companies. Today we can clearly state: many companies have not only caught up but have also become leaders of the transformation, also within international corporate structures,” says Łukasz Dobrowolski, Director of Energy Strategies at the Climate&Strategy Foundation.
“Companies don’t have to start from scratch, decarbonisation support tools already exist,” adds Łukasz Broniewski, Management Board Member and co-founder of the Foundation. “One example is our carbon footprint calculator, available free of charge to SMEs. It’s a practical and user-friendly tool that helps identify emission sources and plan further reduction steps.”
The report presents the experiences of companies from various regions and sectors, at different stages of advancement. What unites them is a common perspective: decarbonisation is seen as part of their development strategy.
The report “Decarbonisation is Already Here” is based on data from the SME calculator and decarbonisation surveys, which are integral parts of the Foundation’s free tool. This data is supplemented by insights from direct conversations with companies at different stages of the decarbonisation journey and by case studies that highlight diverse approaches, scales, and motivations – from manufacturing to service firms, from micro-enterprises to regional leaders.
Several companies share their experiences in the report. Large firms such as Polenergia, Rossmann, and Michelin stress the importance of a strategic approach to decarbonisation. For them, carbon footprinting is not just a reporting obligation – it’s a tool for investment planning, risk management, and building long-term business value. A common thread is consistency: they measure emissions across all Scopes (1, 2, and 3), use recognised methodologies (e.g. SBTi), and integrate climate action with business strategy. At the same time, they highlight the importance of pragmatism – focusing on changes that yield real operational and financial results.
Smaller and medium-sized companies such as Mexem, Optomer, and Sanel are also actively engaged in emissions measurement, though their motivations tend to be more practical—such as tender requirements, client expectations, or cost optimisation goals. Their approach often follows a step-by-step method: starting with Scopes 1 and 2, gradually building team awareness, and educating partners. They stress that even without large resources, it’s possible to begin climate action—what matters most is consistency, good organisation, and openness to collaboration.
The publication aligns with broader global changes. International studies, conducted by Reuters and others, show that businesses increasingly recognise the importance of the energy transition. For example:
In the U.S., despite federal rollbacks, energy transition remains a market standard. As many as 95% of the largest companies see reputational benefits from climate reporting, and three-quarters link it directly to revenue growth[2]. Similarly in Germany and Italy, business leaders view the transition as a way to reduce reliance on volatile energy sources and to secure an investment future based on renewables[3]. In the UK, despite concerns over upfront costs, the energy transition is seen as a driver of economic growth.
The report “Decarbonisation is Already Here” demonstrates that the decarbonisation process in Polish companies is no longer a matter of the future—it is happening here and now, though it has not yet become the standard. What distinguishes actively engaged companies from passive ones is not size or access to resources, but rather the determination of leadership, willingness to measure emissions, and integration of climate action into business strategy. In the face of growing expectations from clients, investors, and regulatory bodies, the companies investing in emission reduction today will gain a lasting advantage. The examples presented in the report can serve as practical benchmarks—because decarbonisation is not a trend, but a new foundation for responsible and competitive business.
The report includes case studies from the following companies: Contec, JetLine, K+PR, Labelmarket, Mexem, Michelin, Optomer, Polenergia, Polypeptide, Rossmann, Sanel.
None of the companies received any financial compensation for participating in the project or for consenting to publication. The case study content reflects the interviewees’ accounts; the Foundation assumes no responsibility for their accuracy.
[1] Powering up: Business perspectives on shifting to renewable electricity, E3G
[2] The state of Sustainability Reporting by United States business in 2025, Reuters Events
[3] Powering up: Business perspectives on shifting to renewable electricity, E3G
