Decarbonization Roadmap for Metal-Mechanical Industries: Towards a Sustainable Future

The metal and metal-mechanical sector in Portugal, represented by AIMMAP, is developing an ambitious Decarbonization Roadmap aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. In collaboration with CATIM (Technological Support Centre for the Metal-Mechanical Industry) and as part of the CarbonFree_Guide4Metal initiative, this project is funded with €450,000 from the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan).

The main goal of the roadmap is to promote the sector’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy by exploring solutions such as low-carbon technological processes, the use of alternative fuels like biomass and waste, and increasing energy efficiency. The initiative also focuses on the circular economy, the adoption of new materials and decarbonization technologies, and the implementation of systems for monitoring and managing consumption.

Key Strategies:

• Assessment and Planning:
  Companies need to conduct a detailed analysis of their current greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing Scopes 1, 2, and 3:
  • Scope 1: Direct emissions, such as those from industrial processes.
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated with energy consumption.
  • Scope 3: Emissions along the value chain, such as transportation and the use of construction materials.
• Shift to Renewable Energy:
  One of the main strategies is to replace fossil energy sources with renewable energy (solar, wind) in both concrete manufacturing processes and overall operations.
• Process Efficiency:
  The ready-mix concrete sector can enhance energy efficiency in production processes by optimizing the use of kilns and mixers, as well as applying digital technologies for monitoring and controlling emissions.
• Use of Sustainable Materials:
  Replacing traditional concrete components with alternatives that have lower carbon emissions, such as concrete with recycled additives or the use of eco-friendly aggregates, is essential. The circular economy should be a priority, reducing waste and encouraging reuse.
• Transport and Logistics:
  Managing emissions associated with the transportation of materials and products is critical, including the shift to electric fleets or the use of alternative fuels to reduce environmental impact.
• Carbon Offsetting:
  Adopting carbon offset mechanisms, such as investing in reforestation projects or carbon capture technologies, can complement reduction strategies by balancing the unavoidable emissions from production processes.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  Continuous tracking of emissions and the implementation of transparent reporting are essential to evaluate progress and adjust strategies effectively. Companies should periodically review their decarbonization plans, especially after reaching key milestones.

Additional Initiatives to Achieve Net Zero by 2050:

• Innovation in Production Processes:
  The introduction of new, more efficient production technologies is crucial. Examples include 3D concrete printing, which reduces waste and improves efficiency, as well as the development of low-carbon concrete or concrete with CO₂ capture, which are becoming increasingly common.
• Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI):
  Utilizing digital tools and AI can optimize production processes, reduce resource consumption, and improve energy efficiency. AI can be used to forecast and monitor emissions, helping to identify ways to reduce environmental impact.
• Building Design and Energy Efficiency:
  Ready-mix concrete is key in constructing buildings and infrastructure. Sustainable design should focus on reducing long-term emissions by promoting passive construction techniques and improving the thermal efficiency of buildings. The use of insulating concrete can reduce the need for heating and cooling, thus lowering associated emissions.
• Promoting Circularity:
  The sector should encourage the reuse and recycling of concrete, integrating it into new projects to reduce the need for producing new materials. The use of recycled concrete aggregates is an effective solution to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Value Chain Engagement:
  Ready-mix concrete companies should collaborate with suppliers and customers to develop sustainable solutions across the entire value chain. This includes requiring sustainable practices from suppliers and offering eco-friendly concrete products that comply with strict environmental standards.
• Sectoral Commitments and Partnerships:
  It is essential to engage in sectoral commitments and collaborate with governments, organizations, and other companies to share knowledge, best practices, and innovate together. The Portuguese Carbon Neutrality Roadmap (RNC2050) is an example of how the country is promoting decarbonization through public-private partnerships.

These actions, combined with robust data management and the establishment of clear, measurable goals, are fundamental to ensuring that companies in the ready-mix concrete sector achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The transition will require investments in innovation, new business models, and a significant cultural transformation within the sector.

Do you have a project that can help achieve Net Zero by 2050?
If you are seeking funding to develop and scale your project, contact us here:
📧 comercial@theventurebuilder.pt