Cornelius Pieper

Environmental attribute certificates (EACs) have the potential to be a major unlock in the business case for industrial decarbonization. These EACs enable heavy industry to monetize low-carbon production, match upstream reductions with downstream demand and derisk investments. They accelerate Scope 3 decarbonization by creating transparency, scalability and turning net zero from a cost into a value opportunity. Today's business case for low-carbon investment in heavy industry is tough.

Large capital projects are inherently complex and risky because they typically entail substantial financial investments, extended timelines, and intricate coordination among stakeholders. The complexities are amplified in projects that involve emerging decarbonization technologies—such as those in the power-to-X (PtX), green steel, and green cement sectors.

Each year, we throw away nearly $200 billion of material that could be recycled. Copper accounts for nearly $70 billion of that estimate; plastic, close to $50 billion. Even if we can recover only half the value, those estimates highlight the business potential of circularity. Circularity is not just good for the environment. If companies can intercept waste before it hits landfills, it’s good for business too.