Sustainability as a Strategic Asset in Maintenance and Asset Management

Energy efficiency and emissions reduction are no longer optional — they are vital for business survival. With rising energy costs and the phasing out of free emission allowances under the EU ETS, embracing sustainability is not just a strategic advantage but a matter of competitiveness. “That’s why the MORE4Sustainability project, supported by Interreg NWE, has proven to be extremely valuable. As project partners, we found ourselves pioneering more than we initially anticipated,” says Wim Vancauwenberghe, Director of BEMAS. The goal? To initiate a sustainable transformation in asset management, with a focus on energy efficiency and emissions reduction. The approach? Solid research, structured methods, and above all: practical application.

One of the key findings of the project was that sustainability is still insufficiently embedded in maintenance and asset management practices. Already in the initial project phase, it became clear that the link between these fields is underdeveloped. Rob van Dongen of Mainnovation, leader of the benchmark study, explains: “We had to actively seek out early adopters. But once identified, they provided valuable input for the study.” This input laid the foundation for the Sustainable Asset Management Framework, which was developed and refined throughout the project.

From best practices to structured methodology
This framework became the beating heart of the project. It combines scientifically grounded principles with a practical, results-oriented approach. “It quickly became clear that sustainable asset management can generate real impact,” says Van Dongen. “Improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions — it’s possible, but it requires a structured approach.” Training sessions held in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany confirmed the framework’s value in practice. “Participants contributed their own cases and ideas, which led to rich interaction and further refinement. The framework helps organisations structure their internal processes and achieve measurable results.”

Saving energy and reducing emissions: from ambition to necessity
Today, sustainability is more than a moral obligation — it's a business imperative. In the current economic context, it has become a hard necessity. European companies are struggling with high energy prices and losing competitiveness against companies from regions where energy is significantly cheaper. Without taking serious steps to improve energy performance, companies risk losing their competitive edge. On top of that, Pressure is also growing on emissions reduction. Under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), companies that emit less CO₂ than their allocated allowances can sell the surplus. But from 2026 onwards, free emission allowances will be gradually phased out and replaced by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This means that companies will receive fewer and fewer allowances AND will have to pay much more for their emissions in the future.. The conclusion is clear: companies that fail to reduce emissions will pay more — and find it even harder to compete.

A new mindset and way of working
As one training participant put it, “This course changed how I think. It introduced a different methodology for working sustainably.” This sentiment was widely shared. Participants particularly valued the financial perspective embedded in the training — not just the costs, but also the potential gains of investing in sustainability. Some even recognised broader potential. One comment read: “The MORE4Sustainability model, with some adjustments, could also be applied to other departments’ sustainability goals.”

A focused scope, for maximum relevance
As with any project, there were also critical reflections. The one-day training was dense, covering a lot of material in a short time. Some attendees regretted that other topics — such as circularity or wastewater treatment — weren’t included. Wim Vancauwenberghe: “We deliberately chose a clearly defined scope. Under the Green Deal, industry faces the challenge of meeting strict requirements around energy efficiency and emissions reduction. We wanted to address this in a structured and in-depth way. That quickly generated a wealth of new insights, which made the training programme quite intensive. But we are very pleased with how it turned out.” Rob van Dongen agrees: “Overall, participants are very positive. Many share the sense that sustainability will become a fully integrated part of maintenance and asset management within a few years. By the way, that’s also my personal conviction.”

“Those who don’t invest in energy and emissions reduction today will pay the price tomorrow — both literally and figuratively."

Wim Vancauwenberghe • BEMAS

E-learning as a lever for wide application
After the benchmark study, the training series and the publication of the roadmap, the project has entered in a phase of digital upscaling. A multisession e-learning has become available in four languages. Its seven modules deliver the same methodology as the classroom sessions but allow participants to learn at their own pace. Wim Vancauwenberghe: 'By 1 July 2025, more than 500 maintenance and asset management professionals in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany had already followed some form of the M4S training. They can now also take the e-learning modules online and participate in the online test to obtain the "Certified Sustainable Asset Management Practitioner" certificate. Newcomers can either attend a one-day paid classroom training course, or complete the e-learning for free.” The online offering is fully modular. Participants can navigate according to their own needs, repeating what is needed and speeding up where desired. The e-learning is also ideal during quieter periods such as the summer months. Upon completion, the certification exam follows, and with a satisfactory score, the participant receives the official certificate. 'That is a wonderful incentive,' says Vancauwenberghe. 'It’s a tangible personal recognition that also reflects positively on your organisation’s sustainability ambitions.'

Time to get started
While the development of learning tools has formally concluded, the project’s impact continues. New training dates are already planned in Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition, the results of the project have also been compiled in a Roadmap document, including a self-assessment tool and a calculation model for business cases. Now more than ever is the time for maintenance and asset management organisations to take action. But to succeed, everyone involved must first understand the core concepts, and know how to implement targeted energy and emissions reductions through maintenance and asset management. Those interested in going through the seven MORE4Sustainability modules and obtaining the certificate in the coming months can visit the project website for more information: https://more4sustainability.nweurope.eu.  The e-learning and training are available in English, French, German and Dutch.