麻豆传媒

As the energy transition gathers pace, brand owners, suppliers and chemicals manufacturers up and down the value chain are under increasing pressure from consumers, regulators and investors¹  to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their activities.¹

The world must substantially reduce GHG emissions in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change² and, with carbon dioxide being the primary GHG emitted through human activities³, these activities are commonly referred to as decarbonisation.

However, decarbonisation can be complex and the journey can take many years, so this short guide is designed to help you take the first steps on your decarbonisation journey.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonisation. Instead, every business is different and needs a tailor-made strategy based on its own priorities and business objectives. There are various ways to do this, but many organisations follow the avoid鈥搑educe鈥揷ompensate hierarchy:

• First: Avoid emissions
• Next: Reduce emissions
• Finally: Compensate for emissions

Let鈥檚 dive into this together.

First: Avoid carbon emissions

Here are some of the things you can do to help avoid emissions:

• Reduce energy waste and improve the efficiency of equipment and operations. This can help reduce energy consumption and avoid unnecessary Scope 1 and 2 emissions. And of course, it also helps to bring down your energy bill. 
• Electrify on-site processes that are otherwise powered by fossil fuels. This can help significantly reduce on-site (Scope 1) emissions while creating a healthier and safer working environment. But this is only effective if the source of electricity is lower carbon.
• Switch to renewable power. This can help avoid a significant amount of direct and indirect emissions. The good news is that there are plenty of options. For example, you may choose to install on-site solar photovoltaic panels or wind turbines. Alternatively, you can purchase renewable electricity via a power purchase agreement* (PPA) with an energy provider or buy renewable energy certificates鈥� (RECs). And, if you still need a source of thermal energy, then green hydrogen or hydrogen produced from biogas may be a suitable option.

Next: Reduce carbon emissions

It may not be practically possible to avoid some emissions. When this is the case, you should take measures to reduce the carbon intensity and impacts of the energy used instead.

This may be through the use of lower-carbon fuels, such as biodiesel, bioethanol and renewable compressed natural gas, which can be used without the need for expensive modifications.

Incorporating chemicals made with sustainable or renewable feedstocks into your products can also play an important role in reducing your products鈥� overall carbon footprint. This is because sustainable or renewable chemicals, manufactured from sustainable or renewable materials, reduce the need for more carbon-intensive conventional feedstocks.

Finally: Compensate carbon emissions

When CO鈧� emissions cannot be avoided, an investment can be made in projects that captures CO鈧� that otherwise would be added to the atmosphere. Carbon credits are then issued, and they can be retired to demonstrate that an amount of carbon emissions have been compensated. A carbon credit represents the avoidance or removal of GHGs equivalent to 1 tonne of CO鈧�.⁴

Decarbonisation is increasingly becoming a necessary path for companies to follow and those with well-planned strategies are best placed to enjoy the benefits of a low-carbon economy.

Develop your sustainability solutions together with Shell Chemicals and shape the everyday; better than yesterday.

Whether you are defining your goals or striving to achieve them, Shell Chemicals is here to help. To review available options, contact us at ShellChemicals@shell.com.