Bilfinger’s Net Zero Approach: A Leading Solution for Sustainable Transformation

“Sustainability is not just a trend. It is a responsibility.” With those words, Maja Egić, Global Business Development Lead for the Net Zero Approach, captures the essence of Bilfinger’s mission. Together with her colleague Jordi Koes, Technical Lead Net Zero, she represents the global team that supports companies on their decarbonization journey, from strategy to execution and beyond.

In today’s industrial landscape, the pressure to decarbonize is mounting. Companies face increasing regulatory demands, volatile energy prices, and high expectations from stakeholders. Yet, many organizations struggle to translate their sustainability ambitions into concrete, cost-effective action.

“They need the assurance that someone will stand by their side to make it happen. Many companies can offer advice or a roadmap, but very few can also deliver end-to-end execution. That is where Bilfinger makes the difference: we can truly turn strategy into reality,” says Maja.

Bilfinger’s Net Zero Approach bridges that gap. It offers a clear, structured method for industrial decarbonization, combining strategic planning with practical execution. The approach covers all stages of the transition, from roadmap development to engineering, implementation, and long-term operations including maintenance. Not as a series of separate services, but as an integrated lifecycle model.

Developed by experts across Bilfinger’s global network and rooted in decades of industrial experience, the methodology supports companies in reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and strengthening operational resilience.

 

A global framework with local execution

The Net Zero Approach was founded on a clear principle: industrial decarbonization must not only be strategically sound, but also practically feasible. What began as a methodology for developing integrated CO₂ roadmaps has evolved into an integrated approach now applied across the globe.

Companies are supported from the earliest stage, defining their ambition, all the way through to the implementation and continuing asset management of the technical solutions. The approach is built around three successive phases:

• Development of a Net Zero Roadmap;
• Design & Build;
• Operate and Maintain.

“Each phase follows a consistent structure, yet allows for adaptation to local conditions, maturity levels, industry demands, and strategic priorities,” Jordi says. “Even within one company, different sites may require very different measures. The framework remains intact, but execution is always tailored. That makes the results not only technically sound, but also financially viable and practically achievable.”

 

What sets the Net Zero Approach apart

Maja explains: “The strength of our Net Zero Approach lies not only in its content, but in how it is embedded within Bilfinger’s organization. We do not just advise, we execute. Our end-to-end delivery model includes consultancy and engineering, construction and operational services, all in-house. We draw on cross-industry expertise, integrating lessons learned across sectors and geographies to create scalable, transferable solutions. And our regional experts work alongside clients, ensuring alignment across technical, operational, and strategic levels.”

She continues: “We have built a global community with representatives from every region. They bring deep market insight, understand client challenges, and ensure our approach stays locally relevant, no matter where in the world we operate.”

From the first conversation to the operational phase, Bilfinger remains involved.

“The roadmap is never set in stone,” Jordi emphasizes. “Markets change, regulations evolve, and strategies shift. That is why we continuously re-evaluate the roadmap together with our clients. For us, Net Zero is not a project with an end point, but an ongoing journey.”

This ability to connect strategy and execution within one industrial partner is rare in the market. It supports Bilfinger’s global ambition to become number 1 for its customers in enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

 

Regional spotlight: Central and Eastern Europe

The Net Zero Approach is gaining momentum across Central and Eastern Europe, where industrial transformation is both a challenge and an opportunity. The region is marked by a diverse energy mix, legacy infrastructure, and growing regulatory alignment with EU climate goals. At the same time, it is home to dynamic sectors that are actively seeking sustainable growth.

“In CEE, we see strong momentum in industries like automotive, food and beverage, and energy,” says Maja Egić. “These sectors are not only vital to the region’s economy, but also key to its decarbonization journey. Our role is to help them navigate the transition with solutions that are technically sound, financially viable, and locally relevant.”

Bilfinger’s CEE regional team brings deep market knowledge and hands-on experience. Whether it’s optimizing energy use in a food processing plant, supporting electrification in automotive manufacturing, or modernizing district heating systems, the Net Zero Approach is adapted to meet the region’s specific needs.

Romania, for example, is emerging as a key player in the region’s energy transition. With its strong industrial base, growing renewable capacity, and strategic position in the EU energy corridor, the country is actively investing in sustainable infrastructure. Bilfinger supports Romanian clients in modernizing operations, improving energy efficiency, and aligning with EU decarbonization targets.

“CEE is not starting from scratch,” Maja adds. “There’re a strong industrial base and a growing appetite for innovation. What’s needed is a partner who understands the local context and can deliver results on the ground. That’s exactly what we offer.”

 

Curious how the Net Zero Approach would apply to your operations?

Request a tailored analysis and discover which technical measures, financial opportunities, and roadmap fit your site-specific goals.