The decarbonization process in industrial SMEs: a qualitative study of motivations, solutions, barriers, levers and impacts through the case analysis of companies supported by D-carbonize

Details

Supervisors

Marichal, Xavier

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enClimate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through decarbonization is now a priority. Human is the primary cause of global warming and companies are inevitably implicated, even the smallest. Each small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) may appear to have a small impact, but their collective activities represent a major contribution to global emissions, especially in the industrial sector that is carbon intensive. This thesis was conducted in collaboration with D-carbonize, a Belgian start-up that helps companies measure and reduce their carbon footprint. The research aimed to understand how industrial SMEs, all clients of D‑carbonize, engage in the decarbonization process after conducting a carbon assessment, and to provide insights to strengthen the company’s support. The analysis focused on five themes: motivations, solutions, barriers, levers, and impacts. The results show that SMEs are driven mainly by values and responsibility rather than short‑term profit. They tend to adopt simple measures, face financial and organizational limits, and struggle with Scope 3 emissions. Their main impact so far is reputational, but intermediaries such as D‑carbonize can play a decisive role in turning intention into action. This work contributes to the limited academic research on SME decarbonization and helps close the gap between diagnostic tools and effective decarbonization action.