Manufacturing holds immense potential to drive significant reductions in carbon emissions and promote action towards a Net Zero future. Sustainability could be improved through innovative practices and technology adoption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, optimising processes, and developing low-carbon materials. The sector’s ability to influence downstream industries through product design and supply chain collaboration further amplifies its role in fostering sustainability across a wide range of sectors.
Industry is the UK’s third-highest emitting sector after transport and buildings and is responsible for a sixth of the UK’s total emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions from the industry sector are provisionally estimated to have been 52.8 MtCO2e in 2023 (source: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero).
Therefore, decarbonisation within the manufacturing industry is essential to mitigate its substantial contribution to global carbon emissions, aligning with broader climate change mitigation efforts. If the sector is to be successful in reaching Net Zero, it will be crucial to tackle the key emission drivers for the sector. These are:
As the sector transitions towards a sustainable future, it is important to ensure that it is done in a just way that incorporates social sustainability issues. This would improve the lives of employees, workers in the value chain, customers, and local communities. For example, issues such as low wages, long hours, and unsafe environments for workers need to be addressed to ensure fair and safe working conditions not only in the UK, but globally.
Additionally, it is important that the transition for the sector is ‘people-focused’. This transition can be achieved by:
We have developed a guide that delves into the key challenges the manufacturing sector must address to achieve its Net Zero ambitions. It offers quick wins, long-term enablers, and outlines how Energise can support you in tackling these issues
The manufacturing sector stands as a key player in the journey toward achieving Net Zero emissions due to its considerable environmental footprint and pivotal position in the supply chain of numerous industries. The manufacturing sector has massive expertise, resources, and influence, and these factors mean that the sector will be vital in accelerating progress towards global Net Zero emissions reduction targets, for their own sector as well as others.
Have any further questions or want to discuss this guide? Please email us at hello@energise.com and we’ll be happy to help!
Written By Yasir Patel 
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