TotalEnergies Green Claims Found Misleading, Court Rules
- victoriasterling
TotalEnergies Found Guilty of greenwashing in French Court
Table of Contents
A French court has ruled that TotalEnergies engaged in “misleading commercial practices” regarding its environmental commitments. This marks the first time France’s ”greenwashing” laws have been applied to a fossil fuel company. The case was brought forth by NGOs including Greenpeace France and Friends of the Earth France.
Key Details of the ruling
* Misleading Claims: The court found TotalEnergies likely misled consumers with claims about reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and being a major player in the energy transition.
* Required Actions:
* Remove misleading statements from its website within one month.
* Post the court’s ruling on its website.
* Pay €8,000 to each of the three NGOs involved.
* Pay €15,000 for legal costs.
* Penalties for Non-Compliance: A fine of €10,000 (£8,700) per day for failing to remove statements or post the ruling.
* Dismissed claims: Accusations of greenwashing related to claims about fossil gas and biofuels were dismissed, as the court deemed these statements informational rather than commercial.
Context & Company Response
TotalEnergies acknowledged the judgment but stated that most claims against it were dismissed. The company clarified that the ruling specifically targets general statements on the parent company’s website (TotalEnergies SE) and not advertising campaigns by its French subsidiary (TotalEnergies Electricité et gaz france).
TotalEnergies highlights its renewable energy capacity:
* Current Renewable Capacity: 35GW
* Target Renewable Capacity by 2030: 100GW
However, the company continues to prioritize fossil gas as a ”cornerstone” of its strategy.
Broader Trend
This ruling is part of a growing trend of climate activists and green groups taking fossil fuel companies to court over environmental claims that are inconsistent with climate science. Similar cases have been seen in the Netherlands (KLM airline) and Germany.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | TotalEnergies |
| Country | France |
| Ruling | Found guilty of misleading commercial practices (greenwashing) |
| Plaintiffs | Greenpeace France, Friends of the Earth France, Notre Affaire à tous |
| Penalty (Non-Compliance) | €10,000/day |
| Renewable Target (2030) | 100GW |
| current Renewable Capacity | 35GW |