Decarbonizing America's Industrial Sector Conference Wraps Up

The industrial sector is squarely in the sights of politicians, regulators and consumers as the need for lower carbon emissions and increased sustainability moves up the political agenda.

But industries like steel, ammonia, and cement are considered “hard to abate” because the equipment, inputs and processes required make it difficult to move away from carbon intensive processes and energy sources.

It’s a challenge worth taking on as the industrial sector currently account for approximately 30% of all American greenhouse gas emissions.

This week executives from some of the country’s top industrial companies – including chemicals, steel, glass, cement, oil and gas, among other key industries –  gathered in California at our Decarbonizing America’s Industrial sector conference.

They were there to share challenges and experiences and identify the most effective and viable strategies to decarbonize their business models in the face of growing concern over climate change and carbon emissions.

Industrial companies are responding with a mix of strategies that includes sustainable sourcing, technological innovation, adopting low-carbon fuels, increasing energy efficiency, electrification, and capturing carbon emissions at source.

Some key highlights of the conference included: 

Conference Chair, Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, Vice President, Sustainability at Novelis opened the conference on Wednesday with a panel discussion on how to move from decarbonization strategy to execution. 

Senior sustainability and operations leaders were busy sharing challenges and ideas, and exploring opportunities for partnership to make decarbonization a reality. 

READ: Industrial Decarbonization Requires an Ecosystem

Thursday started with a lively discussion on innovation and technological enablers for reducing emissions with ideas from Roland Muwanga at TC Energy, David Bangma at Ash Grove Cement Company and Suzanne Lindsay-Walker from Novelis.

Some delegates even managed to get a break from the sessions to enjoy California's balmy climate.

Thursday's topics include a case study on improving operations and energy efficiency with scope 1 & 2 reductions, scaling up renewable hydrogen adoption, and a debate about the future of America’s Industrial Sector.

See all the event photos and ongoing coverage on our LinkedIn Page. 

Interested in learning more about this topic?

If you’re tasked with reducing emissions in your operations, join us at the National Summit on Methane Mitigation, taking place at the Norris Conference Centre, Houston on December 6-8, 2022. Join over 200 of your industry peers to get up to the minute updates on methane mitigation research and development efforts including monitoring sensors, data management systems, modular conversion technologies and alternative uses for stranded natural gas. Download the agenda now for more information.