Decarbonizing by Design

As industries around the globe face growing pressure to address climate impact, a new wave of decarbonization efforts is reshaping how businesses operate—one system at a time. This week’s edition highlights how operational transformation can become a catalyst for broader sustainability goals. From maritime carbon capture to circular mining and municipal climate roadmaps, the shift toward zero-emissions infrastructure is no longer an abstract ambition—it's being built in real time.

Our Featured Article dives into how a historic distillery on a remote Scottish island is charting a course toward full decarbonization by 2025.

The Essential Reads section brings together practical case studies: from Wärtsilä’s ship-based carbon capture to community-scale solar projects. Each example offers grounded, scalable strategies that show how different sectors are moving from climate pledges to emissions cuts.

In the Research Corner, a timely piece from the Journal of Management Studies challenges traditional strategy thinking, arguing that decarbonizing business requires a systemic, multi-level shift—well beyond the pursuit of profit alone.

Let’s delve into the many ways decarbonization is being translated into action across sectors and scales.

---

Featured Article:

Decarbonizing the Spirit of Islay

In this Forbes feature, I explore how Bruichladdich Distillery, located on the Scottish island of Islay, is aligning centuries-old craftsmanship with a modern vision for climate action. Since its revival in 2001, the distillery has combined traditional methods with a forward-looking sustainability agenda—culminating in a bold goal to fully decarbonize its distilling operations by 2025. CEO Douglas Taylor outlines how the company’s journey toward B Corp certification, community-centered practices, and regenerative agriculture has reshaped its environmental footprint.

Highlights include switching to biofuels, trialing green hydrogen, and redesigning packaging to cut emissions by 65%. The distillery’s commitment extends beyond environmental initiatives to social impact—maintaining local jobs, supporting biodiversity through The Botanist Foundation, and forging deep relationships with Islay farmers and foragers. With a roadmap rooted in measurable impact and continuous improvement, Bruichladdich is redefining sustainability for the spirits industry—demonstrating how even small island businesses can lead the way in regenerative innovation.

Read more: Bruichladdich Distillery Plans To Decarbonize All Operations By 2025: Here’s How

Essential Reads:

Carbon Breakthrough

Wärtsilä has unveiled a ship based carbon capture system capable of cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 70%. The solution, tested on the Clipper Eris, is ready for market and aligns with IMO’s 2050 targets. It's designed for various vessel types and fuels, aiming to future-proof maritime operations through retrofits and CCS-ready newbuilds.

Read more: Wärtsilä’s carbon capture technology ready to hit the market

Climate Leader

Lexington has been named one of Massachusetts' first certified Climate Leader Communities, recognizing its strong climate action policies. By committing to fossil fuel elimination, adopting a municipal decarbonization roadmap, and enforcing clean energy standards, Lexington now qualifies for major state grants to accelerate its transition toward zero-emissions infrastructure and operations.

Read more: Lexington Certified as a Climate Leader Community

Solar Empowerment

The Community Boating Center in Bellingham, Washington is installing a solar energy system funded by a Puget Sound Energy grant, aiming to cut electricity costs by $125,000 over 30 years. These savings will expand inclusive marine programs, fund scholarships, and support clean energy transitions—both on land and at sea—strengthening access for marginalized communities.

Read more: Community Boating Center Powers Forward with Solar Energy, Thanks to PSE Grant

Grid Surge

Alberta’s deregulated power market is bracing for 11 GW of new data center demand—more than its current peak load—amid its shift from coal to gas, renewables, and emerging technologies like SMRs and CCUS. The province is requiring data centers to bring their own power, ensuring reliability while driving private-sector-led decarbonization and innovation.

Read more: Alberta's Deregulated Grid Is Bracing for 11 GW of New Demand

Green Cement

Eco Material Technologies and PTL have launched a new rail terminal in Queens to supply decarbonized cement made from harvested coal fly ash, reducing emissions from concrete production. This initiative will deliver 50,000 tons of low-carbon material to NYC construction projects, advancing sustainable infrastructure while diverting coal waste from landfills.

Read more: NYC Rail Terminal Opens to Decarbonized Cement from Coal Fly Ash

Research Corner:

Can strategy evolve fast enough to meet the climate crisis? This article in the Journal of Management Studies questions whether traditional strategic management—rooted in shareholder value—can adapt to address climate breakdown. The authors argue for deeper integration of organizational theory, which better accounts for multi-level dynamics and planetary limits. They highlight that decarbonizing business requires more than rethinking firm-level profitability—it demands systemic, coordinated transformation.

Read more: Can Strategy Address the Climate Crisis Without Losing its Essence?

---

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

---

Quick Takeaways:

• Ship retrofits: Cut emissions with onboard carbon capture.

• Local leadership: Plan for zero-emissions to unlock funding.

• Solar inclusion: Use clean energy to support access programs.

• Live tracking: Monitor emissions in real time for compliance.

• Grid-ready growth: Ensure data centers bring their own power.

• Green cement: Use coal ash to cut concrete emissions.