Can companies actually make money by decarbonizing?

Yes. Decarbonization is increasingly linked to new revenue streams, including clean energy products, efficiency services, and access to sustainability-focused markets. Companies that invest early in the energy transition often gain a competitive edge over slower-moving rivals.

What industries are most affected by decarbonization trends?

Energy, manufacturing, transportation, and real estate are among the sectors most directly impacted. However, virtually every industry faces pressure to reduce carbon emissions as regulatory requirements and customer expectations evolve.

How does decarbonization tie into long-term business strategy?

Integrating decarbonization into core business strategy allows companies to anticipate regulatory shifts, attract ESG-focused investors, and reduce long-term operational risk. Firms that treat sustainability as a growth driver rather than a compliance burden tend to see stronger long-term financial outcomes.

Decarbonization Doesn’t Mean Less Profit: Part 2

Part 2 of this DisruptED series examines how companies pursuing decarbonization strategies are finding that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. Businesses undergoing energy transitions are uncovering new revenue streams and competitive advantages. The discussion highlights real-world examples where environmental responsibility aligns with strong financial performance.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Energy teams put it to work with Customer Stories & Case Studies.

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By Ron Stefanski · July 26, 2023, 11:02 AM UTCClimate ChangeEngie North AmericaEsgKristen Fornes

Key takeaways

Decarbonization initiatives can generate significant revenue growth, not just cost savings.

Sustainable energy transitions create new business opportunities and competitive differentiation.

Companies that align environmental responsibility with financial strategy tend to outperform peers.

As the world grapples with the urgent need for decarbonization, the stakes are high, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning that we have less than a decade to prevent irreversible damage to our planet. Amid this crisis, a remarkable trend is emerging: businesses are proving that it’s possible to prioritize decarbonization and still turn a profit. One such company, Engie North America Inc., has seen a $30 billion increase in revenue since deciding to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy five years ago.

Businesses are proving that it’s possible to prioritize decarbonization and still turn a profit.

But how can businesses successfully navigate this transition and what does it mean for the future of the energy sector? These are the questions being explored in Part 2 of this episode of DisruptED, hosted by Ron Stefanski. Joining him is Kristen Fornes, VP Business Development at Engie North America Inc., who shares her insights on running a profitable sustainable business.

In this episode, they discuss:

The economic incentives that can drive sustainable practices.
The role of the public and nonprofit sectors in facilitating the transition to renewable energy.
The challenges and opportunities in hiring talent for a rapidly evolving industry.

Listen to Part 1 here.

About the Guest

Kristen Fornes, originally from Dayton, Ohio, moved to Chicago in 2008 to pursue a finance degree at DePaul University. She began her career in energy sales and quickly moved up the ranks at Engie, a company that has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last five years. Engie has transitioned from being a fossil fuel giant to a leading player in renewable energy, demonstrating that it’s possible to run a profitable, sustainable business while contributing to the fight against climate change.