Net-Zero Manufacturing: Concept and Reality

Need of Net-Zero Manufacturing.

The world's recent dramatic upheavals have reawakened a greater need for engineering sectors, governments, and society to be more resilient and prepared for future crises. Climate change is the most significant problem of the twenty-first century, posing undeniable hazards to economic progress and the sustainability of our planet. 

The manufacturing and production sectors, which account for 16 % of global GDP, are the engine of economic development and social impact. These industries are also responsible for 20 % of worldwide CO2 emissions and 54 % of global energy consumption. For manufacturing leaders, the move to a net-zero sector gives a tremendous untapped potential to improve innovation for growth, competitiveness, and resilience. Industry leaders realise the urgent need to collaboratively drive meaningful steps and develop multi-stakeholder partnerships to hasten the transition to a carbon-neutral future of manufacturing over the next decade. The urgency to change the business-as-usual approach becomes a priority. 

Probably do not need reminding that net-zero refers to the balance of greenhouse gases (GHG) generated and eliminated from the environment. Net-zero is attained when the quantity added equals the amount subtracted. That is, net-zero permits specific emissions to be higher than zero as long as they are offset elsewhere to reach net-zero carbon worldwide emissions. Rather than striving to achieve net-zero emissions, the net-zero emissions objective enables specific sectors to function with positive rather than negative emissions. This enables sectors where it would be impossible to achieve net-zero emissions, such as aviation, to function while being compensated by sectors where it is simpler to cut emissions or discover other energy sources.

Because growing levels of GHGs (of which carbon is the most prevalent) contribute to climate change – and climate change affects us all – net-zero is a worthwhile and vital goal. For any sceptics, the World Meteorological Organization reports that the 20 hottest years on record have all occurred in the previous 22 years, with the most recent years being among the warmest. Scientists believe that if nothing is done, the world's temperature might rise by up to 5 °C by 2100, with disastrous consequences. 

Progress in "Net Zero" so far

The Carbon Reduction in Manufacturing Initiative was established in January 2020 by the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Platform community, with backing from Al Gore's Generation Investment Management, in response to global demand from industry leaders. This initiative brings together global industry leaders to expedite critical actionable solutions, 4IR technology innovation, and the formation of new collaborations to reduce global carbon emissions by half by 2030.

 The British Standards Institution and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) have cooperated to assess how far UK firms have progressed toward net-zero emissions. Based on a poll of 1,000 top decision-makers from various UK industries, the Net Zero Barometer concluded that if firms continue at their present rate of development, they are highly likely to fall short of the Government's 2050 net-zero objectives.


The initiative's goal is to uncover, accelerate, and amplify innovative solutions in two key areas:

  

The paradox in "Net Zero."


Progress toward net-zero has been uneven, with some corporations investing substantially and making significant changes, while others have simply made minor incremental gains or taken no action at all. Moreover, the interruption and increased commercial constraints caused by COVID-19 have added to the lack of urgency in reaching net zero. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the epidemic has hampered the ambitions of 68 % of enterprises, according to our Net Zero Barometer.

On the plus side, businesses have genuine ambitions to attain net-zero objectives. For example, seven out of ten CEOs state that their firms have made or are considering making a net-zero commitment.

As a result, the business world is faced with the question, "How can we genuinely reach our own net-zero goal?" Manufacturing sectors play a significant role since energy consumption in the manufacturing sector is greater on average than in most other sectors.

The leaders in the manufacturing sector are ahead of the curve, with 88% understanding the implications of net zero for their organisations. This could be because manufacturers have been exposed to techniques such as carbon footprinting of products and a clear methodology for it in PAS 2050, which has been adopted for a wide range of consumer products, more than other sectors.

Do your part in "Net Zero."

The first decisive move you can take is to establish a solid commitment to attaining net zero in your organisation. The next step is to identify potential roadblocks. Lack of advice, which was noted by 83 % of company executives in the Net Zero Barometer, and cost, which was cited by 44 %, are two examples. According to science, the total amount of global warming is determined by the human production of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Therefore, these greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Consider the big picture. 


The path to net-zero requires strategic thinking, such as that demonstrated by Volvo Cars, which has pledged to become a carbon-neutral firm by 2040. The company's goals go beyond reducing vehicle emissions to include complete electrification, material recycling and reuse, and reducing carbon emissions across its production network, operations, and supply chain.

Such broad approaches need a thorough awareness of environmental challenges and a willingness to innovate and collaborate. The exchange of data is at the heart of attaining net zero through this new approach, and BSI is dedicated to improving the environment for digital cooperation by supporting standard clarity and propagating industry best practise.

As a researcher or manufacturer, you have the ability to focus on carbon reduction, achieve your 2050 net-zero objective, and contribute to society's larger aims. Simultaneously, you can instil good behaviours and boost organisational performance and resilience. All you need now is the willingness.

The Takeaway

Think "net gain," not "net-zero.'