The EU’s tightening emissions policy—especially the Emission Trading System (ETS)—means companies will soon pay more for every ton of CO₂ they emit. While the number of emission allowances is shrinking, prices are simultaneously rising sharply.

“If you don’t act now, you’ll be forced to buy expensive allowances later. It takes time to reduce emissions—it’s not something you fix overnight,” Wim Vancauwenberghe, Director at BEMAS warns, “and under the current economic conditions, energy-efficient production plants already enjoy a major competitive advantage today.”

The Challenge and the Opportunity

“Sustainability isn’t just about reporting. It’s about awareness, goal setting, and – above all – execution. And maintenance and asset management professionals are right at the centre of it,” says BEMAS’ Vancauwenberghe.

“Sustainability in asset management isn’t achieved with one big leap—it’s built through many small, consistent actions,” continues Mark Haarman, Managing Partner at Mainnovation, a consulting firm that specializes in maintenance and asset management for companies in industry, fleet, and infra.

“Actions like cleaning filters, precisely aligning and balancing rotating equipment, or upgrading drives may seem minor on their own, but collectively they make a significant impact on reducing an organization’s environmental footprint,” Haarman adds.

Introducing MORE4Sustainability

The MORE4Sustainability project funded by the European Union and initiated by the Belgian Maintenance Association (BEMAS), reveals how industrial maintenance and asset management teams can become powerful agents of change toward more sustainable and profitable European industry.

Backed by the Interreg North-West Europe program, the project aims to train professionals working in Maintenance, Overhaul, Repair and Engineering on how to adopt sustainable asset management at industrial production sites.

The MORE4Sustainability project kicked off with a study revealing that companies maintaining consistent effort over nine years are achieving up to a 30% reduction in emissions and energy consumption —a figure with both environmental and economic significance.

The Framework:Four Key Areas

BEMAS’ Vancauwenberghe says that strategy definition is at the core of the MORE4Sustainability framework. You start with translating the company’s sustainability strategy into the asset management strategy. Then, in a specific sequence, you can focus on sustainability optimization in the following areas:

1. Asset Portfolio Optimization – Electrify systems, retire inefficient equipment, and invest in modern, low-emission assets.

2. Asset Health Optimization – Apply predictive maintenance and precision care to reduce energy use.

3. Energy Consumption Optimization – Maximize energy efficiency and minimize energy waste.

4. GHG Emission Optimization – Implementing strategies and actions focused on minimizing GHG and other pollutant emissions.

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M4S Framework: The MORE4Sustainability Framework presents an overview of measures that contribute to the company’s sustainability goals.

Training is the Cornerstone

The MORE4Sustainability report offers companies a much-needed practical roadmap for transformation.

“The framework is grounded in real-world success stories, modern strategies, and proven methods that help companies cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost energy efficiency—without sacrificing reliability or profitability,” Vancauwenberghe explains.

One of the project’s key outcomes is a comprehensive online training program designed for technical professionals at all levels.

The course is available in English, German, French, and Dutch, making it accessible across much of Europe.

“So far, over 500 professionals have taken part in one of the different training formats.”

“We offer introductory trainings, in-person classroom sessions, and also a full e-learning course that includes certification.”

The e-learning course is free to access, and those who complete the program and pass the final exam earn the title of Certified Sustainable Asset Management Practitioner—the first designation of its kind in Europe.

“Our goal is for participants to return to their companies as ambassadors for sustainable maintenance and implement at least one sustainability initiative.”

Policy Backing and Business Value

So, what’s the fastest way to make European industry more sustainable? With high energy prices and strict emissions targets approaching, policymakers have a key role to play. But instead of relying solely on penalties, experts are urging a shift toward positive incentives—such as ISO certification programs, subsidies, and other supportive measures.

“Yes, rising CO₂ prices will push companies to change. But we also need rewards and support: investment aid, standards, training subsidies. Especially for SMEs,” says Mainnovation’s Haarman Mark Haarman – an expert behind the MORE4Sustainability study.

Governments could, for example, use ETS revenues to fund training programs or introduce accelerated depreciation for sustainable retrofitting and electrification projects, Haarman suggests.

When asked for concrete examples of how sustainable maintenance benefits businesses, Mark Haarman points to one clear finding from the study: Companies that have been early adopters of sustainable asset management have achieved, on average, a 10% improvement in energy efficiency every three years.

What’s notable is that these gains can often be made without major capital investments—simply by optimizing maintenance practices. Predictive maintenance, for instance, does not only increase reliability and uptime, but it also eliminates excess energy consumption by faulty equipment and energy waste by idle running when a part of the production process is down.

Meanwhile, high precision maintenance practices not only extend the lifespan of rotating equipment, but also significantly impact energy efficiency. Companies that integrate sustainability into their full asset management approach—from strategic planning to renewable energy—are seeing fast payback and stronger long-term value.

“In terms of financial value, a 1% sustainability improvement can generate higher ROI than equivalent maintenance cost or uptime gains,” Haarman says.

Bridging the Gap

According to the industry experts at BEMAS and Mainnovation, the lack of a clear framework and tools has been one of the main reasons why many maintenance & asset management organizations are lagging in the sustainability transition.

“Many companies are committed to climate targets at the corporate level,” says Vancauwenberghe, “However, the connection to daily practices on the shop floor is often missing. This training helps bridge that gap.”

The MORE4Sustainability approach is applicable to both organizations already implementing sustainability and those who may not yet have a structured approach to sustainability.

“Whether you're on the shop floor or in a strategic role, you can make a difference. Sustainability in maintenance is not just for big players—it’s accessible to SMEs too,” says Mark Haarman.

Next Step for the Industry

As companies work toward 2030 climate goals, the demand for measurable sustainability action within operations will only grow.

Training and certification in sustainable asset management may soon become a baseline expectation, driven by ESG auditors, customer procurement requirements, and tightening EU regulations.

“This project needs to spread like oil—in a positive way,” Vancauwenberghe says.

“One trained person can inspire a complete team and start implementing the best practices. The MORE4Sustainability program helps them to set ambitious but realistic goals and shows concrete examples of how to achieve them. By offering the training online for free we hope to further scale up the project’s impact.”

Text: NINA GARLO-MELKAS Photos and images: BEMAS