Preprint Article Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

What Motivates Companies to Take the Decision to Decarbonise?

Version 1 : Received: 25 October 2022 / Approved: 26 October 2022 / Online: 26 October 2022 (03:41:44 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 29 November 2022 / Approved: 30 November 2022 / Online: 30 November 2022 (03:36:29 CET)

How to cite: Buettner, S. M.; König, W.; Vierhub-Lorenz, F.; Gilles, M. What Motivates Companies to Take the Decision to Decarbonise?. Preprints 2022, 2022100395. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202210.0395.v2 Buettner, S. M.; König, W.; Vierhub-Lorenz, F.; Gilles, M. What Motivates Companies to Take the Decision to Decarbonise?. Preprints 2022, 2022100395. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202210.0395.v2

Abstract

Already more than 140 countries consider or have pledged to reach net-zero emission targets by 2050 or earlier and the share of global emissions falling into an emission pricing scheme has steeply increased over the past three years. Even where there are no direct implications for industry (yet), there is a series of subtle pressure points driving an increasing number of companies across the globe to work towards climate neutrality and pledging ambitious emission reduction goals. This article sheds light on the pressure points, the subtle triggers, the underlying considerations as well as the hoped-for benefits for industrial companies from achieving net-zero emissions. The observations and ideas presented in this paper are derived from quantitative data obtained via the Energy Efficiency Index of German Industry (EEI) and qualitative data. Not only societal, work force, supply chain and investor expectations play a large role, but also many strategic considerations which have the potential to make the company more resilient and profitable, particularly in time of crisis. Those companies that do not move towards decarbonisation, on the other hand, may face a costly late-mover disadvantage. This piece uncovers subtle interconnections, helping stakeholders from industry and beyond to grasp opportunities and challenges ahead.

Keywords

decarb-efficiency; decarbonisation; industrial energy saving; cost effectiveness; strategic decision-making; climate neutrality; net-zero; drivers; motivators; resilience

Subject

Social Sciences, Decision Sciences

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 30 November 2022
Commenter: Stefan M. Buettner
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author
Comment: In this updated version, we highligted more clearly the reference to the underlying conference paper this article significantly expands on in a fully revised manner (p.1).
Additionally, we improved the wording in the methods-chapter (2). Even though the methodology for analysing the semi-annual survey EEI always follows the same principle and there are limited options to describe the same methodology in different words. The changes made should improve clarity even further.
In sub-section 3.4.1., we extended the analysis of the potential 'why' for some companies' above-average decarbonisation ambitions on two instances.
Lastly, the acknowledgements section was updated.
+ Respond to this comment

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 1


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.