Net-zero strategies in industrial plants – how to plan and implement them effectively?
Industrial plants, responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, are increasingly faced with the need to develop net-zero strategies that will help them reduce their carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and maintain competitiveness. Implementing net zero is a long-term process in which a thorough emissions audit, a realistic data-driven action plan, the selection of appropriate technologies, and continuous progress monitoring all play a crucial role. We explain what a net-zero strategy is, what stages it involves, and which technologies and tools should be used to implement it successfully.
What is a net-zero strategy?
A net-zero strategy is a long-term plan for transforming a company in such a way as to minimize and then balance greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations. This applies to both direct emissions – from fuel combustion (scope 1), indirect emissions – from purchased electricity and heat (scope 2), as well as emissions from the entire supply chain (scope 3).
Achieving net-zero emissions does not necessarily mean reducing emitted gases to zero – rather, it means achieving a balance between emissions generated by the company (reduced to a minimum) and the amount of greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere through offsetting residual emissions (e.g., afforestation, CO2 capture technologies). A net-zero strategy therefore involves not only decarbonization directly within the plant, but also monitoring and managing the entire emissions cycle.
Emissions analysis – calculating the company’s carbon footprint
The first step in developing a net-zero strategy in an industrial plant is a thorough diagnosis of the current state – both in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The primary tool at this stage is calculating the company’s carbon footprint, i.e., the amount of emissions expressed in CO2 equivalent generated throughout the company’s entire value chain.
The carbon footprint is calculated in accordance with international standards such as the GHG Protocol or ISO 14064. As part of the audit, emissions are analyzed in three scopes:
- Scope 1 (direct emissions) – includes emissions from fuel combustion installations, industrial processes, and company transport;
- Scope 2 (indirect energy-related emissions) – covers emissions from purchased electricity, heat, cooling, or steam;
- Scope 3 (other indirect emissions) – includes emissions from the supply chain, goods transport, business travel, and product use.
The data collected during the audit forms the basis for identifying priority areas for decarbonization and allows for setting realistic reduction targets.
Calculating the carbon footprint
Check the articleEmission reduction strategy
After the audit and carbon footprint analysis stage, the next phase is designing and implementing an emission reduction strategy. This usually includes actions in four main areas:
Increasing energy efficiency
Optimizing energy consumption is the first and most cost-effective step towards decarbonization. Modernizing heating, ventilation, drive systems, or production processes can significantly reduce emissions.
Decarbonizing energy sources – shifting from fossil fuels to renewables
The next step is switching to low- or zero-emission energy sources. Depending on the plant’s specifics, these may include:
- cogeneration plants powered by biomass or biogas,
- photovoltaic power plants (on-site or off-site),
- purchasing green energy from suppliers (based on PPA contracts),
- electrification of industrial processes – so that they are powered by electricity that can be more easily “greened.”
CO2 capture and utilization
For hard-to-decarbonize industries (e.g., cement, chemical, or steel), a net-zero strategy may include carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCS/CCU) technologies. These solutions require high capital investments but are an important element of long-term climate plans. Their potential is not yet fully utilized, but they may become a key decarbonization tool in the future.
Supply chain and scope 3 emission management
More and more companies are analyzing emissions across the entire value chain, working with suppliers. Scope 3 emissions for a given company are mainly scope 1 and 2 emissions of their suppliers. Scope 3 represents the largest share of a company’s total emissions while being the most difficult to measure and eliminate. In practice, measures may include switching to more sustainable suppliers, choosing materials with a lower carbon footprint, or optimizing logistics.
Implementing a net-zero strategy in industrial plants is now a necessity driven by regulations and market expectations, but also a strategic step for companies that want to remain competitive in the long term. We observe that many companies, especially global corporations, approach this challenge very responsibly – starting with thorough audits and realistic reduction plans, and then consistently implementing actions to optimize energy consumption and transform energy sources. This is a process that requires time and investment, but without it, it is difficult to imagine the stable development of industry in a way that meets climate requirements.
Long-term benefits of implementing a net-zero strategy
Implementing a net-zero strategy involves investment costs and a time-consuming transformation process. However, there is no doubt that even a small reduction in emissions brings benefits – it is not necessary to eliminate them completely right away. Such benefits include, for example:
- cost reduction thanks to lower energy consumption and reduced dependence on fossil fuels,
- advantage in the eyes of investors – in tenders, negotiations with clients, or suppliers who increasingly require ESG data,
- access to financing programs – banks and funds increasingly link access to capital to compliance with the EU taxonomy and climate goals,
- compliance with regulatory obligations and avoiding penalties – readiness to meet reporting requirements (e.g., CSRD, CBAM) and potential emission fees.
What do net-zero strategies look like in practice?
One example of successfully implementing a net-zero strategy is a project carried out by DB Energy for a chemical industry plant in Jiangmen, southern China. It belongs to a global group specializing in battery and critical raw material recycling. This plant was preparing to double its production capacity while setting an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.
After an unsuccessful experience with another auditing firm, which failed to deliver a strategy meeting the client’s expectations, the company turned to us. In just four months, we developed a precise CO2 reduction roadmap that enabled a 70% emissions reduction without interfering with production processes. Key actions included heat recovery from compressors and wastewater, as well as optimization of process steam parameters.
Already at the first implementation stage, the plant reduced steam consumption by 50%. Our strategy enabled increased production while reducing emissions and energy consumption, supporting the client in meeting its environmental commitments and circular strategy.
Higher production and lower emissions – chemical industry client on the road to net zero
Check case studySummary
Implementing net-zero strategies in industrial plants is a process that requires not only the right technical tools, but also a strategic approach, commitment from management, and long-term planning. Success in this area is based on a thorough diagnosis, realistic reduction targets, and flexible implementation of solutions tailored to the specifics of a given plant.
A net-zero strategy is a path to increasing a company’s resilience to economic changes, strengthening its market position, and building its value based on sustainable development. Plants that invest in energy efficiency and emission reductions become more attractive to investors, business partners, and customers.
