While the review sets out useful recommendations to government , such as accelerating and unlocking the decarbonizing potential of energy efficiency investment as well as incentivizing on-site generation by Q2 2024 , it likely offers little comfort to manufacturers today that are concerned about how they can secure their place in the rapidly accelerating net zero transition of tomorrow . Fortunately , there are already available solutions whose short-term adoption can deliver long-term emission reductions and a route to net zero , in addition to very necessary energy and operational cost savings .
Metric of success
Many of these such solutions have been embraced by one of our members , Lancashire based Evans Vanodine International . The developer and manufacturer of cleaning and hygiene products has completed a range of projects that address its environmental impact , and which aim to achieve a more productive , safer and streamlined working environment . These range from simply converting lighting to LED in its office spaces , to optimizing and changing the mixing times of the products it makes to save as much energy as possible during the manufacturing process . Looking beyond just immediate emissions reductions , it has also changed how it cleans its manufacturing vessels to minimize the water required and has been optimizing formulations and improving products to use lower impact ingredients where possible . The company is also looking to invest in ambitious upcoming projects such as using heat capture technologies , in combination with its production boiler , to save heat being lost . It is also investigating opportunities for on-site generation through a solar array .
Evans Vanodine International isn ’ t alone in this exciting journey . According to recent research by Make UK and Siemens , nearly half ( 46 percent ) of manufacturing companies aren ’ t waiting around for government policy and are already implementing decarbonization plans , citing rising energy costs , the rising cost of raw materials and more generally the need to do the right thing as factors in accelerating their efforts . Manufacturing companies are better positioned than most to adopt new measures and procedures to realize emissions savings as many thrive on making their processes more and more economical .
Sustainability should therefore be seen by everyone in the sector over the coming years as a metric of success , rather than simply a government target or impenetrable policy proposal , as it signifies the optimized use of materials , reduction in waste and greater overall efficiency . Ultimately , a more sustainable manufacturing company will be more competitive , especially when putting its products into the global market . Therefore , although the route to net zero is harder for manufacturing when compared to other sectors , the commercial success that can potentially be secured as we march on to a net zero future should be a highly motivating factor for the entire sector . ■
Suzy Skehan www . planetmark . com
Suzy Skehan is Sustainable Business Manager at Planet Mark . Planet Mark is an internationally recognized sustainability certification which recognizes continuous progress , encourages action , and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals . It is awarded to businesses , properties , new developments and projects that are committed to reducing their carbon emissions .
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