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For many sectors across the UK , the path to net zero can seem clear and attainable . Due to minimal direct emissions from their operations , in addition to our electricity system becoming increasingly decarbonized , the majority of businesses will likely see a reduction in their total emissions without the need for significant up-front investment . Unfortunately , this is not necessarily the case for the UK ’ s manufacturing sector . Many of the companies we certify and advise here at Planet Mark are operating with significant direct as well as upstream and downstream emissions exposure and the sector as a whole accounts for 12 percent of the UK ’ s total greenhouse gas emissions . However , despite its climate change impact , manufacturing will continue to be vital to the UK economy as it employs over 2.5 million people and accounts for roughly 45 percent of total exports . It is therefore no surprise that reducing the sector ’ s emissions ( integral for achieving the UK ’ s 2050 net zero target ) while maintaining productivity is core to the government ’ s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy . The Strategy , which sets out an ambition for the industry to reduce carbon emissions by at least 67 percent by 2035 and by at least 90 percent by 2050 , represents a decarbonization line in the sand and will guide policy thinking and government investment in the years ahead .

Emissions reductions

Although these targets are certainly admirable , exactly how they will be achieved without a reduction in growth or output can seem , at least initially , to be a bit of a head scratcher . Helpfully the recent Net Zero Review , released only a few weeks ago [ at time of writing ] is brimming with excellent ideas and suggestions for government on how it can turn these targets into reality . Published by former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore , the review advises on how the UK can tackle climate change alongside reaping the economic benefits of leading the global low carbon transition .

The review provides ample consideration to ‘ turbocharging growth ’ and decarbonization across the UK ’ s core sectors , including manufacturing . It recognizes that emissions reductions within the sector will be delivered through greater energy and resource efficiency , fuel switching to low carbon fuels and through the adoption of yet to be commercialized decarbonization technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage ( CCUS ).

Available solutions

While it is encouraging to know what the solutions are on paper , achieving their widespread adoption without disrupting overall output and commercial opportunity poses a potentially significant challenge , particularly for manufacturers operating at smaller and more dispersed sites . These manufacturers are already facing high energy costs on top of the cost of decarbonization and a lack of tailored

Manufacturing Today Issue 209 Issue 209 - February 2023 | Page 34