SYNOPSIS   

The industrial production and manufacturing sector is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Energy-intensive processes from smelting and refining to chemical production, drive operational emissions, while embodied emissions stem from the extraction and transformation of raw materials such as steel, cement, aluminium, and plastics.

Globally, most nations are committed to the Paris Agreement and the target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Many countries, including Malaysia, are embedding emissions reduction pathways into industrial policies, carbon pricing mechanisms, and energy efficiency laws & standards and GHG disclosure requirements by law.

Yet, decarbonizing hard-to-abate manufacturing subsectors (such as cement, steel, aluminium, and chemicals) remains a formidable task. High capital costs, long investment cycles, and limited access to affordable clean energy hinder progress. To meet national Net Zero goals, scaling up low-carbon industrial production is essential.

This presentation will examine the drivers, opportunities, and barriers shaping the decarbonisation of manufacturing, alongside the policy frameworks and transition finance mechanisms needed to accelerate change. Decarbonising manufacturing sector requires collaboration throughout the value chain and the commitment of stakeholders towards low-carbon industrial development.

Drawing on real-world examples such as the steel industry’s efforts to cut emissions, Mr. Chiew will demonstrate how eco-labelling tools like Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), Product Carbon Footprints (PCF), and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) can empower manufacturers to decarbonise their supply chains, extending the benefits to downstream sectors such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Mr Chiew Teck Wee

Mr Chiew Teck Wee is the Managing Director and Founder of Riverstone Environmental Sdn Bhd.

Mr Chiew has 26 years of experience in environmental consultancy. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from University of Malaya and MSc in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London. He is registered with the Department of Environment (DOE) as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultant. He is also a qualified Lead Environmental Auditor and Carbon Accountant (GHG emissions).

Mr Chiew specialises in environmental sustainability covering air quality, GHG & climate change, pollution and environmental risk assessment. His expertise covers due diligence, compliance and strategic advisory. Work has taken him to Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa regions, and across multiple industries such as oil & gas, power, manufacturing, plantation and financial sectors.

As a seasoned Consultant and Trainer, Mr Chiew helps his clients with environmental sustainability through active engagement to develop net zero roadmap, decarbonisation strategy, feasibility study, technical assessments and environmental risk management.