Planet, purpose, profit: The imperative of net zero

At the recent Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Summit on Net Zero Manufacturing, industry leaders were presented with compelling evidence of the critical need to address climate change immediately.

We stand at a critical juncture in the battle against climate change. For too long, the issue has been treated as a future problem, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Mike Berners-Lee, author and sustainability expert, encapsulated our current predicament, suggesting we are perilously close to crossing an irreversible threshold.

During his keynote at the University of Sheffield's AMRC Summit, Berners-Lee critiqued the global response to climate change, noting the lack of significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions despite numerous international summits. He underscored the urgent need to alter the narrative around climate change, calling for immediate and accelerated action, particularly from the manufacturing sector.

Echoing this sentiment, Steve Foxley, CEO of AMRC, underscored the manufacturing industry's pivotal role in spearheading environmental sustainability. He highlighted the sector's capacity for innovation and change, exemplified by the UK manufacturing sector's rapid response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Acknowledging the weight of responsibility to combat climate change, Berners-Lee emphasized the power of demand reduction and efficiency improvements across the manufacturing industry. He advocated for a comprehensive shift towards renewable energy sources and more sustainable operational practices.

Katherine Bennett, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, highlighted the enthusiasm within the UK manufacturing community for embracing net zero targets. This is supported by data from Make UK, revealing a significant portion of manufacturers view net zero not only as an environmental necessity but also as a commercial opportunity.

Steve Foxley pointed out that the real challenge lies ahead, requiring threefold faster action without relying on previous decarbonisation strategies. The UK's journey to net zero will necessitate innovative technologies and substantial investments.

One innovative solution is the Airlander airship by Hybrid Air Vehicles, which promises a net-zero form of air transport with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to conventional aircraft. This project exemplifies the kind of pioneering thinking needed to achieve net zero.

The discussion also touched on the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the net zero transition. Despite facing unique challenges, SMEs like The Pudding Compartment have demonstrated the potential for significant emissions reductions through the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and targeted operational improvements.