TotalEnergies has responded to accusations of greenwashing following a Paris court ruling that found the company’s website claims regarding its energy transition ambitions and carbon neutrality goals were likely to mislead consumers. The court ordered TotalEnergies to remove specific statements from its website, giving the company one month to comply or face a daily fine of €10,000.
The legal case was initiated by Greenpeace France, Friends of the Earth France, and Notre Affaire à Tous, with support from ClientEarth. The groups argued that TotalEnergies’ campaign falsely portrayed the company as a leader in addressing the climate crisis. The court determined that the company’s claims about achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and playing a major role in the energy transition were deceptive.
In its statement, TotalEnergies acknowledged the court’s decision but noted that most claims against it were rejected, including those related to its 2021 name change and promotion of gas and biofuel as lower-carbon options. The company stated it would not appeal the ruling and plans to update its website with a more factual account of its multi-energy strategy.
TotalEnergies emphasised its investments in the energy transition, mentioning over €20 billion invested in low-carbon energy since 2020, significant increases in electricity production and renewable energy capacity, and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas and methane emissions. The company also highlighted its role in major renewable energy projects and infrastructure developments in France.
In response to ongoing greenwashing claims, TotalEnergies expressed pride in its efforts to support global energy security and contribute to the future energy system.
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