Fives is a key figure in the low-carbon transition: primarily as a committed and accountable company, the Group works to reduce its own environmental footprint. And above all thanks to its solutions, which help reduce the environmental impact of industry, which represents 18% of global CO₂ emissions (Source: AIE, 2018 data).

Currently, hydrogen is mostly produced from fossil fuels, using processes which emit large amounts of CO₂, but “green” hydrogen can be produced from zero-carbon electricity (mainly water electrolysis).

The technologies are now mature enough to allow wide-scale production, with the support of ambitious national programs. The sector is rapidly organizing itself and growing. Its development will require the involvement of strong industrial figures, able to design and supply suitable equipment, as well as innovative and digitalized production lines with extremely high standards in terms of quality. Fives has entered this market, which could make use of numerous Group activities and expertise, whether hydrogen production, storage or transport technologies, or the use of hydrogen for transport.

The solutions developed by Fives allow industrial companies to adopt an energy saving approach. They help to develop the circular economy, the use of hydrogen, electrification of industrial processes, and thus encourage the saving of energy and raw materials. These solutions are broadly based on digital technologies.

In 2020, the Group prepared to develop a Group Climate strategy, which will be defined based on a carbon assessment carried out in 2021. It will cover reducing energy consumption at its own sites, and promoting the environmental benefits of the solutions which Fives develops for its customers. Fives is also working to reduce CO₂ emissions linked to the supply chain, and to increase the share of energy consumed from decarbonized energies.

With this in mind, the Group has approached the Solar Impulse Foundation to propose some of its products, so that they can be assessed as a “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution”. Early 2021, four Fives technologies have already been awarded this label. Like Fives, the Foundation shares the vision of an industry which does it bit to solve the problem of climate change. Its founder Bertrand Piccard launched the “1,000 solutions” challenge: industrial technologies which contribute to environmental protection, while remaining profitable. 

1. What is the origin of the "1000 efficient solutions challenge" of the Solar Impulse Foundation?

We chose the target of 1000 because we needed a large number of solutions to prove our point that clean and profitable Solutions already exist. By finding 1000 already feasible, profitable, and sustainable solutions, we can demonstrate that the future is already in our hands.

2. The industry is usually seen as the problem. What can make them also part of the solution?

The Solar Impulse Foundation works with companies that are seeking or providing solutions that improve or replace polluting technologies with cleaner ones, while being profitable for the company and for clients. By investing in clean technologies, promoting green R&D and more, industry is part of the movement to tackle the environmental crisis.

3. You're already reached the number of 939 labeled solutions. How far will it go? How will you bring this momentum further?

The momentum will keep going, moving into the second phase of our project: encouraging governments and industries to implement these labelled Solutions. We can only do this based on a strong portfolio of Solutions that can respond to the most pressing environmental problems. However, reaching the 1000 mark does not mean that we will stop seeking more Solutions. Rather, it is a moment to recognize the wealth of ingenious spirit around us. We like to say it is only a layover, before taking another courageous leap towards the transition to a clean and profitable future.