SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS

The industrial sector is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels for energy and industrial processes. These emissions drive climate change, leading to rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. Decarbonising industry is essential to reducing carbon emissions and limiting global warming to safe levels, as outlined in international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

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Greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting has a significant impact on heavy industries, especially within the framework of EU regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions. As the EU tightens its climate policies under initiatives like the European Green Deal and the "Fit for 55" package, which seeks to reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, heavy industries are under increasing pressure to measure, report, and reduce their carbon footprints. This includes sectors such as cement, steel, chemicals, and transportation, which are substantial contributors to carbon emissions. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and restrictions, driving a need for sustainable practices to avoid financial and regulatory penalties.

In addition to CO₂, land transport emits harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), which have severe impacts on air quality and public health. Decarbonising transportation by shifting to cleaner fuels like electricity or biomethane, and adopting zero-emission vehicles, can significantly reduce these pollutants, improving air quality and reducing health issues like respiratory diseases.

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​The Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II), adopted in 2018, sets binding targets for the use of renewable energy across all sectors, including transport. It requires member states to ensure that at least 14% of the energy used in transportation comes from renewable sources by 2030. Biomethane, as a renewable fuel, plays a crucial role in helping meet these targets. RED II also supports the development of advanced biofuels, including biomethane produced from organic waste and residues, which are favoured under the directive.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting significantly affects the maritime industry, particularly in regions like the EU, where there is a strong regulatory focus on reducing emissions. The maritime sector, responsible for around 3% of global GHG emissions, is under pressure to decarbonise as part of the EU's broader climate objectives, including the European Green Deal and "Fit for 55" initiative. These policies aim to cut overall GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

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The EU's regulatory framework for the maritime industry includes the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) regulation, which requires ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to report their CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, and other operational data. Starting in 2024, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) will expand to include maritime transport, requiring ship operators to purchase carbon allowances to cover their emissions. This creates a financial incentive for the maritime sector to reduce its carbon footprint

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The Norwegian fjords are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and protecting their pristine environment is a high priority for Norway and the EU. Local regulations are being tightened to ban emissions from cruise ships and ferries in the fjords by 2026. 

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Farming in Europe is regulated to limit pollution and protect water and soil. Policies from the European Commission, such as the Nitrates Directive, restrict how much manure can be spread and require better nutrient management. In Scandinavia, countries like Sweden and Norway apply these rules while also promoting renewable energy solutions.

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Biogas and biofertiliser production help farmers comply by converting manure into energy and a more controlled fertiliser product, reducing emissions and nutrient losses. To support this, governments offer financial incentives, such as subsidies for biogas production, payments for manure delivery, and investment support for equipment. These incentives encourage farmers to supply animal manure to biogas plants, making waste management more efficient while contributing to a circular, low-emission agricultural system.