- Make UK and Inspired Energy release the definitive
step-by-step roadmap taking companies through their complex
decarbonisation journey
Make UK’s manufacturing members, in partnership with Inspired
Energy, are releasing today the first roadmap to net zero for the
manufacturing sector. The roadmap, which was developed in
consultation with some of the major manufacturing sub-sectors,
provides a clear direction and major milestones towards the long
term 2050 goal. It aims to encourage companies to take those
first successful steps towards reducing their carbon footprint.
Manufacturers overwhelmingly believe they can achieve net zero by
2050 so long as they have enough support and help to create the
right business environment. However, they are already stepping up
to the plate by committing to reduce the direct emissions
generated by manufacturing processes (scope 1) and indirect
emissions from purchased energy (scope 2) by 67% by the end of
this decade. This puts Britain’s manufacturers in line with the
1.5 degrees Celsius Paris Agreement goal.
Britain’s manufacturers have also committed to support their
suppliers and customers to achieve net zero and to reduce their
value chain (scope 3) emissions. This is likely to constitute the
bulk of the emissions for the sector and as they are not under
the businesses’ control, they are difficult to manage.
Manufacturers have also pledged to offer net zero products in the
future to help drive this reduction.
This simple blueprint released today also outlines how companies
will contribute to the establishment of the four low-carbon
industrial clusters by 2030, and the decarbonisation of
mini-clusters at dispersed sites. The step-by-step plan
reflects the targets set to date by the Government and by other
industry sub-sectors, planting the major milestones in the ground
to ensure businesses stay on track and pick up the pace required
for the complex journey to the decarbonisation of factory
production processes and energy consumption.
To meet these goals industry needs a conducive business and
operational environment alongside a robust policy landscape and
the right access to finance, education and reliable energy supply
at a reasonable price. It will be critical to avoid locking
in high-carbon production methods from the outset, maximising
heat recovery in high temperature sites, equipping workers with
new green and digital technology skills, and for companies to
engage with their value chain to encourage change.
Manufacturers can also see the major opportunity that net zero
represents – from access to finance for green investments,
significant benefits of reducing energy consumption and carbon
emissions, developing and exporting new products and knowledge,
that will lead to the sector being an attractive, innovative and
sustainable one to work in, creating highly skilled and rewarding
green and digital jobs across the country.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’
organisation said:
“The release of the first roadmap to net zero for the overall
manufacturing sector marks the start of an exciting journey, with
its challenges but also many rewards ahead. I am very proud that
our members have not hesitated to take up the challenge and are
bold in their vision, and at the same time wanting to align with
the bigger picture and collaborate with key stakeholders.
“There is a mountain ahead to climb, but I look forward to seeing
the progress which I have no doubt will demonstrate over again
the creativity and resilience of our sector and its importance to
our economy, now and in future.”
Andrew Stubbs, Director: Compliance & Reporting
Services, Inspired Energy said:
“The UK’s goal of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050 is a
massive undertaking, and manufacturing is a key area where
transformation can happen. We are delighted to partner with Make
UK on their journey to help the manufacturing sector decarbonise
and play its role in the UK reaching its target.”
Prof. Steve Evans Professor Steve
Evans, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge who
worked on the development of the net zero roadmap added:
“I am delighted to see that the manufacturing sector is ready to
tackle its net zero goal. You will find a massively
important consensus across all sub-sectors on the need for
ambitious targets to be set now to ensure action is taken in the
short term. These manufacturers want to start on this new journey
with hope for the opportunities it can bring, as well as
travelling with trepidation for the many challenges that we need
to work together to solve. I wish us all good luck.”
For the full report: https://www.makeuk.org/insights/reports/manufacturing-sector-net-zero-roadmap
