## Downstream Solutions Challenge

Spotlighting companies that are pioneering scalable, innovative, and collaborative approaches to Scope 3 downstream decarbonization.

[Read the winners story](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/4-winning-solutions-that-address-downstream-scope-3-emissions/)


## The Downstream Solutions Challenge is a platform for World Economic Forum communities to showcase their most impactful and innovative practices in Scope 3 Downstream emissions reduction.

This initiative highlights solutions that drive transformation in four key categories:


### Sustainable Design

Innovations in product and packaging design that minimize downstream emissions.


### Collaboration

Cross-industry partnerships and stakeholder engagement strategies that reduces downstream emissions.


### Financing

Developing new financial models and strategically managing financial flows to accelerate downstream decarbonization.


### Smart Logistics

Solutions optimizing transportation, distribution, and supply chains for downstream emissions reduction.


## Timeline


## Timeline

*Chronological events and milestones*


## Meet the winners

We are proud to present the four champions whose solutions demonstrate impactful and innovative practices in Scope 3 Downstream emissions reduction.


### Schneider Electric

Sustainable design championsSchneider Electric’s AirSeT technology is a breakthrough in medium-voltage switchgear, replacing SF₆, a greenhouse gas with 24,300 times the global warming potential of CO₂, with pure air and vacuum technology. Unlike incremental improvements, AirSeT eliminates SF₆ entirely, reducing regulatory risks, lowering long-term costs, and improving worker safety.To date, AirSeT has already avoided more than 1.2 million tons of CO₂e, contributing to Schneider’s goal of saving or avoiding 800 million tons by 2025. Fully compatible with existing infrastructure, digitally integrated, and externally audited, AirSeT is not just a product, it is a scalable solution for climate-resilient energy systems.


### Vestas and ArcelorMittal

Collaboration championsVestas has pioneered the use of low-emission steel in wind turbine towers, produced in partnership with ArcelorMittal using scrap and renewable electricity. With steel representing up to 50% of a turbine’s lifecycle emissions, this innovation cuts emissions by 66% per kg of steel, achieving up to 52% reductions in onshore towers and up to 26% reductions in offshore towers.By engaging both suppliers and customers such as Baltic Power and Vattenfall, Vestas created a self-reinforcing demand signal that accelerates adoption. This initiative shows how collaboration can extend beyond pilots to systemic change.


### BBVA

Financing championsBBVA’s Sustainable Ecosystems initiative integrates advisory, supplier classification, and targeted financing to accelerate Scope 3 reductions. It helps clients diagnose emissions and then mobilize funding to act on them, bridging the gap between ambition and implementation.For instance, in the automotive coatings sector, BBVA structured financing that enabled downstream garages to install solar panels and adopt energy-efficient equipment. This not only reduced emissions but also improved competitiveness and resilience across the value chain. Globally deployable and sector-agnostic, the model exemplifies how finance can turn climate commitments into measurable results.


### DHL

Smart logistics championsDHL’s GoGreen Plus is reshaping logistics by embedding sustainability across air, ocean, road, and warehousing. By using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bio-LNG, HVO, and battery-electric vehicles, the program enables insetting, cutting emissions directly within the supply chain.In 2024 alone, GoGreen Plus reduced 1,598 kilotons of CO₂e, verified by independent third parties. Its book & claim model makes the solution globally scalable, already used by more than 300,000 customers. Partnerships such as Formula 1 have amplified its visibility worldwide, accelerating adoption and setting a new industry standard for sustainable logistics.


## Qualities of the winning projects


### Scalability

A solution that expands across industries and regions


### Innovation

Truly groundbreaking and innovative


### Scope 3 Impact

Delivers real downstream emissions reductions


### Business+ Benefits

Creates value for your business and reduces impact beyond just scope 3 downstream


## Evaluated by a panel of experts:


### Internal Forum Representatives


### Leading Academics & NGOs


### Standard-Setting Organizations


## Recognition & Impact


### Recognised at the Forum's Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025


### Featured on the World Economic Forum Agenda Blog


### Showcased on the Alliance website


## Need help?

Reach out to: ceoclimateleaders@weforum.org