Free guide on how to decarbonise manufacturing through digitalisation
White paper from Made Smarter offers practical guide to industry’s most pressing challenge – and biggest opportunity.
Setting out to simplify a complex and fast-evolving topic by demystifying some of the terminology and analysing the latest research, Decarbonisation through Digitalisation: manufacturing made smarter and greener with technology is a new free-to-download document from the government-backed and industry-led technology adoption programme, Made Smarter.
Photo by Josh Beech
The guide shows how a variety of technologies can enable manufacturing and engineering businesses to be smarter and greener, at the same time powering growth and creating new highly skilled jobs. It does this with examples from those who are already working with Made Smarter to decarbonise, including Crystal Doors, the Cumbria Clock Company and Fylde Fresh and Fabulous.
Also highlighted are other initiatives that businesses can take part in, such as the Race to Zero led by the United Nations and the SME Climate Hub – a non-profit global initiative empowering companies with tips and tools including its Business Carbon Calculator.
Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme, says: ‘Manufacturing is vital to the UK economy and our daily lives. But it also has a colossal impact on our environment. The pressure and scrutiny on the sector to be more sustainable is ramping up and coming from all directions. It is our biggest challenge, but it is also a significant opportunity.
‘Decarbonisation is not a distraction. It is an imperative. Talk needs to stop and make way for action and a concerted commitment to change. UK manufacturing must get behind the mantra that the future is decarbonised and digital. Made Smarter is committed to help small and medium sized makers get there with vision, technology, leadership and collaboration. Our hope is that our ‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation’ whitepaper will become a valuable part of any manufacturer’s toolkit to support their net zero journey.’
In the past four years, Made Smarter has provided expert, impartial and tailored advice to thousands of manufacturers of every size and shape, and from every sector. It offers digital transformation workshops with practical steps towards digitisation and a clear digital roadmap to follow. Funding is also available to help SMEs invest in tech, and a range support can help businesses adapt to the green skills and digital leadership that net zero demands.
Donna Edwards adds: ‘In recent years we’ve seen technology play an incredibly important part in tackling disruptive and emerging challenges. It has helped businesses navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and recover, negotiate supply chain disruption and labour shortages, as well as focus on solutions to mitigate the energy crisis.
‘For the climate emergency, digitalisation offers manufacturers a huge opportunity to deliver operational efficiencies, decarbonise heat and power, optimise design and materials, and improve logistics and transport, benefitting their business, their bottom line and the environment. Then there is the reputational gain which helps secure customer loyalty, as well as attract new talent and investment.
‘While decarbonisation might feel overwhelming, and it is by no means a simple task, it is vital manufacturers recognise they are not alone. Combating climate change demands collaboration, and that is exactly what Made Smarter is here for.’
In related news:
22 ways to reduce emissions from the built environment by 75% – McKinsey
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