---
title: An integrated and strategic approach to decarbonize industrial compagnies
date: 2024-02-29T14:46:00-05:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/an-integrated-and-strategic-approach-to-decarbonize-industrial-compagnies"
section: Publications
---
Decarbonization is a major concern for industrial companies, both because they want to be socially and environmentally responsible and because of growing regulatory and economic pressures.

 

1. There are four main ways to decarbonize:
    
    
    - Replacing carbon-intensive elements with those that pollute less
    - Lowering energy consumption
    - Capturing and sequestering CO2
    - Emission compensation measures
    
    “While the urgency to act is real, it also means taking the time to approach decarbonization holistically to make sure it works,” explains Stéphane Charest, Vice-President, Decarbonization, Energy and Chemicals at BBA. “The best planning processes are based on understanding the client's context and challenges, preparing, being flexible and ensuring profitability.”
2. There are several steps to a good plan:
    
    
    1. **Analysis – Create an overview of energy consumption and CO2emissions** The first step is to define the company's objectives and gather the data and information needed to establish a baseline.
    2. **Planning – Establish the decarbonization plan** Based on this overview, you can now identify ways to decarbonize by focusing on the activities that emit the most CO2. Creating a portfolio of opportunities by ranking them based on their potential for GHG reduction; their financial impacts; how their integration will affect operations; the maturity of the technologies or solutions proposed; and their risks, will then help create an action and investment plan.
    3. **Implementation – Roll out projects for each selected opportunity** The first step is to check whether the project is feasible, obtain permits and approvals and secure any available subsidies and required financing. Engineers can then design the solution and commission it.
    4. **Monitor results against expected impacts to maximize performance in the long run and, depending on the progress of the overall plan and any changes, return to Step 1 to pick the next best project!**
    
    “To cut down on carbon, we need all the solutions that are out there and are being developed. But it’s important to pick a technology portfolio that’s adapted to the industry and then properly integrate it throughout the company’s life cycle. This way, we get the best possible results by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and making corporate profits, all while maintaining and even optimizing operations,” adds Stéphane Charest.
3. 
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Stephane Charest](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/200712/Stephane-Charest_2025-03-27-190325_tzzc.webp)   
    
     Stéphane Charest, P.Eng.
    
    Vice-president, Energy and Chemicals Market
    
         Read bio   [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephane-charest/)  **For nearly 30 years, Stéphane Charest has connected operators with technology developers** in the energy and chemical processing sectors. His goal is to turn innovations into reliable, profitable industrial solutions without compromising operational stability.
    
    **Key expertise**
    
    
    - Designing and optimizing refining, gas, industrial and chemical processes
    - Scaling up and integrating new technologies into commercial plants
    - Industrial utilities and energy excellence
    - HAZOP/HAZID, reliability (RAM) and incident investigations
    - Managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders
    
    **Major achievements**: Managed over 30 unit-improvement projects (gas treatment, refining, CO₂ capture/utilization, speciality products) across North America, Europe and the Middle East.
    
    **Approach and added value**: Stéphane ensures engineering solutions are implemented while being profitable, reliable and sustainable in large-scale commercial operations.
 
 

  

  

 

    - [  27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Speed is earned early in projects 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
    - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects")
- [  17 Jun 2026 
    
     Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp)   
        
         Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
        
        Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") 

 

   

  Decarbonization is a major concern for industrial companies, both because they want to be socially and environmentally responsible and because of growing regulatory and economic pressures.

 

1. There are four main ways to decarbonize:
    
    
    - Replacing carbon-intensive elements with those that pollute less
    - Lowering energy consumption
    - Capturing and sequestering CO2
    - Emission compensation measures
    
    “While the urgency to act is real, it also means taking the time to approach decarbonization holistically to make sure it works,” explains Stéphane Charest, Vice-President, Decarbonization, Energy and Chemicals at BBA. “The best planning processes are based on understanding the client's context and challenges, preparing, being flexible and ensuring profitability.”
2. There are several steps to a good plan:
    
    
    1. **Analysis – Create an overview of energy consumption and CO2emissions** The first step is to define the company's objectives and gather the data and information needed to establish a baseline.
    2. **Planning – Establish the decarbonization plan** Based on this overview, you can now identify ways to decarbonize by focusing on the activities that emit the most CO2. Creating a portfolio of opportunities by ranking them based on their potential for GHG reduction; their financial impacts; how their integration will affect operations; the maturity of the technologies or solutions proposed; and their risks, will then help create an action and investment plan.
    3. **Implementation – Roll out projects for each selected opportunity** The first step is to check whether the project is feasible, obtain permits and approvals and secure any available subsidies and required financing. Engineers can then design the solution and commission it.
    4. **Monitor results against expected impacts to maximize performance in the long run and, depending on the progress of the overall plan and any changes, return to Step 1 to pick the next best project!**
    
    “To cut down on carbon, we need all the solutions that are out there and are being developed. But it’s important to pick a technology portfolio that’s adapted to the industry and then properly integrate it throughout the company’s life cycle. This way, we get the best possible results by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and making corporate profits, all while maintaining and even optimizing operations,” adds Stéphane Charest.
3. 
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA