- Decarbonization
A strong decarbonization plan does more than protect the environment; it acts as a powerful agent of profitability and efficiency in industrial manufacturing worldwide. Yet firms face roadblocks in turning ambitious sustainability goals into action, ultimately postponing benefits.
At Arcadis, we transform decarbonization challenges into a clear path for a return on investment (ROI). With a proven track record, we help manufacturers turn strategies into reliable long-term plans that reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and build new growth opportunities. Our tailored solutions deliver tangible, measurable results, enabling sustainability efforts to generate business value and maximize ROI.
Why decarbonization matters for industrial manufacturers
For industrial manufacturers, decarbonization presents an opportunity to meet international standards, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement, by adopting more sustainable operations. Decarbonization also offers opportunities to improve financial performance by optimizing resource use while future-proofing processes. At the same time, it bolsters business resilience by reducing exposure to energy price fluctuations, staying ahead of changing regulations, and strengthening competitive advantage—all crucial in maintaining profitability and securing industry leadership.
Achieving these benefits means translating bold goals into practical, scalable solutions, solutions that reduce carbon emissions, enhance efficiency and deliver long-term value across the business.
Decarbonization is more than sustainability; it’s about building more resilient businesses and industries while capitalizing on new opportunities in growing an eco-conscious economy.
Overcoming barriers to decarbonization success
Marrying vision and execution starts with thoughtful planning to keep your organization’s objectives coordinated throughout the company. Proper planning includes identifying strengths, weaknesses and potential challenges to assess feasibility in designing a decarbonization roadmap.
Consider these:
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Where are you on your journey?
Every manufacturer faces unique challenges. Whether you are just starting or pushing the boundaries of innovation, understanding your current position in the decarbonization journey is essential. A thorough assessment of your operations and goals helps identify the right strategies for your business and ensures resources are focused on high-impact actions.
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Are your priorities and metrics truly aligned across the organization?
Successful decarbonization requires cross-functional alignment. By evaluating pain points, opportunities and metrics across departments, you can ensure goals are realistic and actionable. Solutions like our Net Zero Catalyst and Mission Zero Calculator help uncover specific, tailored approaches that address current changes while preparing for future opportunities .
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Do you have clear guidelines in place?
? Without clear guidance, progress can stall under the pressure of competing organizational priorities. A strong framework built on regional regulations, specific objectives, reasonable timeframes, projected outcomes and contingency measures keeps momentum steady and ensures measurable progress toward sustainability goals.
Driving impact through tailored solutions
Advancing toward net zero is most effective when implemented through flexible schemes tailored to industry and organizational challenges. From Arcadis US Vice President and Client Program Manager Leah Ackerman’s perspective, “We know there's not a one-size-fits-all solution for our clients. We capitalize on our deep knowledge of our clients’ businesses and their assets to provide targeted and data-driven solutions for decarbonization.”
As your dedicated partner, we develop tailored solutions focused on:
Clearly defined pathways
to improve energy efficiency, integrate renewable energy and reduce emissions.
Utilization of data-driven methods
such as our Enterprise Decision Analytics (EDA) tool, to prioritize high-impact actions, transforming ambitious goals into customized, scalable, and practical roadmaps that deliver real results .
A clear understanding of the need to balance
environmental and operational needs while aiming for maximum profitability.
Empowering change with sustainable partnerships
No matter where you are in your decarbonization journey, whether setting goals, creating roadmaps or taking strides toward net-zero operations, Arcadis provides guidance and support at every stage, utilizing innovative tools and blueprints tailored to your company’s current situation.
By partnering with industry leaders in automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, we’ve developed specialized solutions that integrate seamlessly into our clients’ operations. From facility-level improvements to overarching business strategies, our offerings are backed by in-house expertise in core processes and installation. We don't just propose solutions; we help implement them to align with your corporate sustainability objectives and deadlines.
Strategies for lasting impact and savings
While decarbonization solutions offer significant long-term savings, upfront costs can hinder their implementation. Arcadis takes a proactive approach to mitigate these financial challenges, ensuring sustainability efforts are both accessible and impactful.
Our strategies include:
Data-driven roadmaps to cut carbon emissions by optimizing energy use, adding renewable sources and using technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, helping manufacturers stay competitive.
A collaborative approach that enables seamless integration between your company’s budget and its sustainability plan.
Performance-based methods that allow clients to see measurable returns over time.
“We know that decarbonization will save on long-term OPEX costs,” Leah asserts. “We also recognize a lot of our clients don't have the upfront capital…but with our partnerships we can offer energy-as-a-service which is essentially performance-based contracts or subscriptions where our clients don't have to buy the equipment or own it.”
Success story: plant electrification
In one project, we partnered with a client to completely electrify one of their manufacturing plants. To support this, our team applied a range of sustainable technologies, including:
Solar panels
to harness renewable energy
Heat pumps
to optimize energy efficiency
Excess battery storage
to ensure reliable energy availability and stability
The project achieved a 70% reduction in carbon emissions while generating nearly a million dollars in annual CAPEX savings, marking significant progress toward our client’s decarbonization and cost savings goals.
This accomplishment reflects our commitment to helping our industrial manufacturing clients navigate sustainability challenges through personalized, forward-thinking approaches that deliver real results with a meaningful, lasting impact.
The path to a sustainable future through early action
Industrial manufacturers who decarbonize early gain a transformative and competitive edge in the market by meeting the growing demand for sustainable products, positioning them as leaders in the expanding eco-friendly economy. By partnering with Arcadis, you can make well-informed investment decisions that will strengthen their business resilience for years to come.
Are you ready to develop a rock-solid decarbonization plan to create long-term value and prepare your business for a sustainable future? Visit the Arcadis Industrial Decarb Hub to find out more about our custom-built solutions and strategies.
