La Provençale: Reduced carbon footprint thanks to Fit 4 Sustainability

A family-run business founded in 1969, La Provençale has grown into a key player in wholesale food distribution across Luxembourg and neighbouring regions of Germany, Belgium, and France. Operating from a single 70,000 m² site in Leudelange, the company supplies professionals such as hotels, restaurants, caterers, and local authorities. Its cash & carry also caters to food industry professionals and private individuals passionate about gastronomy.

With over 1,700 employees, a fleet of 210 refrigerated trucks, and a catalogue boasting more than 40,000 products, the company’s scale, logistics intensity, and wide geographical reach contribute significantly to its environmental footprint.

The challenge: measuring impact for effective action

Like many large businesses, La Provençale faced two key challenges: assessing the environmental impact of its activities and preparing for new European regulatory requirements, particularly Directive 2022/2464 on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD). This directive will mandate annual non-financial reports on environmental, social, and governance issues.

Georges Eischen, Managing Partner of La Provençale, highlighted the complexity of the task: "The real difficulty is knowing where to start. The subject is vast, covering several dimensions and numerous qualitative and quantitative indicators."

This sentiment is shared by many SMEs and mid-sized companies, where the absence of a clear methodology or internal expertise makes transitioning to a low-carbon model daunting. Fit 4 Sustainability programme was designed precisely to address such needs.

Fit 4 Sustainability: tailored support for businesses

Luxinnovation's Fit 4 Sustainability programme helps Luxembourg companies evaluate and reduce their environmental impact. It aligns with national climate objectives and supports compliance with European sustainability regulations.

The programme enables eligible companies to undertake a strategic environmental assessment conducted by specialised external consultants approved by Luxinnovation. Co-financed by the Luxembourg State, this audit provides a detailed roadmap with quantified recommendations for CO₂ reductions and return-on-investment calculations for proposed actions.

"The steps of the Fit 4 Sustainability programme are clear and administratively simple," notes Pit Wiesen, CFO of La Provençale, highlighting the programme’s accessibility for busy managers.

From audit to actionable roadmap

For its sustainability journey, La Provençale partnered with Impakt, a consulting firm specialising in sustainable development and energy transition strategies. The audit mapped the company’s greenhouse gas emissions across the three scopes of carbon footprint measurement. The findings revealed that the supply chain accounts for over 97% of total emissions.

Following the audit, a review of potential measures allowed the company to prioritise actions based on feasibility, cost, and carbon impact. Georges Eischen emphasised the value of this process: "The expert's analysis provided us with a clear roadmap, quantifying the return on investment and potential CO₂ reductions for each action. These steps commit our company to a low-carbon trajectory and enhance the sustainability of our operations."

Early results: 140 tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually

Two measures were implemented immediately after the audit. First, 24 air curtains were installed in refrigerators to create invisible barriers using powerful ventilation, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 140 tonnes per year. Second, the company expanded its fleet with nitrogen-cooled trucks, including ten vehicles—four of which are electric—expected to save an additional 916 tonnes annually. These outcomes demonstrate the tangible benefits of a structured approach.

Other recommended measures are yet to be deployed due to technical constraints with existing infrastructure. However, La Provençale plans to incorporate them into future construction projects.

This gradual implementation reflects a core principle of ecological transition for industrial and logistics companies: meaningful change is achieved through rigorous planning, identifying accessible opportunities, and structuring medium-term transformations.

Ongoing support from Luxinnovation

Throughout the process, Luxinnovation supported La Provençale in its efforts, readily challenging certain decisions under consideration. This support extends beyond the completion of the audit. "Overall, the exchanges with Luxinnovation are smooth and constructive," observes Pit Wiesen. "Response times are very short, and each meeting is followed by a summary email, ensuring everyone maintains a clear overview of the ideas discussed."

The exchanges with Luxinnovation are smooth and constructive. Pit Wiesen, La Provençale

Luxinnovation continues to assist La Provençale in evaluating projects eligible for national funding under the RDI law. The company is also preparing to publish its first CSRD report at the end of the 2027 fiscal year. "This will take significant effort, as it will be our first non-financial report," notes Eischen. The Fit 4 Sustainability programme has equipped the company with the methodology, indicators, and roadmap needed to meet this regulatory milestone.

Fit 4 Sustainability: an opportunity for Luxembourg businesses

La Provençale’s experience demonstrates how structured support can drive a company’s transition to a low-carbon model while enhancing operational sustainability. Luxinnovation's Fit 4 Sustainability programme provides the tools, expertise, and financial support necessary for Luxembourg companies to embark on this journey under optimal conditions.