How Industrial Businesses Can Lead the Charge Against Climate Change

  __________________________________________________ Climate change is a pressing reality. Snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, temperatures are rising, and extreme climate events—like heavy rainstorms—are becoming more common. Reuters reports that EU scientists found 2024 to be the hottest year on record. They also forecasted extraordinarily high temperatures to persist into the first few months of 2025. This is a wake-up call for everyone, especially industries that play a major role in driving climate change. Whether it’s manufacturing or transportation and chemical production, industries are significant contributors to global emissions. They burn fossil fuels for energy and generate massive amounts of waste. Industrial businesses have the potential to address this issue, however. So, what can they do to fight against climate change? Here, we’ll share a few pointers that can help industrial businesses lead the charge against climate change.

#1 Optimize Manufacturing Processes

Worldwide, the industrial manufacturing process generates 9.2 billion tonnes of waste every year. This waste is often a by-product with no further use. Chemical waste, sewage, oil waste, nuclear and radioactive waste, masonry and concrete, and kiln dust and ashes are a few examples of industrial waste. These wastes pollute water sources, damage ecosystems, and add to air pollution by contributing to greenhouse gases. Optimizing the manufacturing process can help cut down on waste, reduce energy consumption, and lower emissions significantly. How do you do that? Dig into lean manufacturing techniques. TechTarget explains lean manufacturing as a methodology that focuses on reducing waste within manufacturing systems while maximizing productivity. The first person to integrate the idea of lean into manufacturing was Henry Ford—the founder of the Ford Motor Company. John Deere, among heavy equipment manufacturers, has adopted lean manufacturing practices. Want to be more efficient? Adopt AI. IBM explains that AI can analyze ongoing production processes and adjust without prompting. Thus, it will increase productivity and reduce waste.

#2 Embrace Clean Energy Solutions

Transitioning to clean energy solutions is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, says the Climate Group. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy—there are plenty of options to explore when it comes to clean energy solutions. There is a misconception that clean energy is expensive. But that is a myth. A study published in July 2023 revealed that wind and solar are the most affordable sources of new electricity in 82% of the world. Hydrogen is also emerging as a viable solution for decarbonizing industries. This gas holds tremendous potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change, states the Environmental Defense Fund. Hydrogen is especially useful for hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as steel and cement production and international shipping. The widespread adoption of hydrogen is hindered by its low volumetric energy density, which makes storage difficult and expensive. However, reticular materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could offer a way forward, notes Chemical & Engineering News. Reticular materials are made up of repetitive arrays of cage-like building components, often known as ‘pores’ or ‘voids’. This technology of hydrogen storage in solid-state is safer and more cost efficient than traditional methods based on compression or liquefaction. According to H2MOF, this technology’s storage capability is excellent and works at low pressure and ambient temperature, reducing the safety concerns associated with high pressure or cryogenic liquefaction.

#3 Reduce Scope 3 Emissions

You’re aware of Scope 1 (created directly by the company) and Scope 2 (created indirectly through purchased energy). But what about Scope 3 emissions? According to IBM, Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that take place in the value chain of a company. These include the full lifecycle from production to delivery to use and disposal. Thus, tackling these emissions is often tricky since they are extensive. The first step? Identifying sources of Scope 3 emissions in your value chain. In the chemical industry, for instance, fuel and energy-related activities, processing of sold goods, and employee commuting are common sources of Scope 3 emissions. To reduce these emissions, chemical industry giants will have to collaborate with suppliers, improve product designs for sustainability, and encourage eco-friendly practices among employees and partners. And this doesn’t just apply to the chemical industry—every sector must take similar steps to tackle Scope 3 emissions to combat climate change. Transportation and logistics also contribute to Scope 3 emissions. Switching to cleaner transport options or optimizing routes can help cut emissions. The takeaway? Industrial businesses have the power to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change. They can make a real difference—not just for the environment, but for their bottom line—by adopting these strategies. So, where will your business start? Whether it’s small changes or bold innovations, leading the charge against climate change means staying competitive in a world that is quickly shifting toward a greener future. Why not be ahead of the curve?