reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. While industries like the energy sector and the transport sector have been identified as some of biggest greenhouse gas emitters, the manufacturing sector of the UK also makes a significant contribution towards the country’s carbon footprint, accounting for 21 per cent of emissions.
Against this backdrop, a major manufacturer’s organisation in London issued the first road map to net zero for the country’s manufacturing sector on Monday (22 Nov). According to Make UK, a vast majority of manufacturers, 98 per cent, to be more precise, are aware of the government’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century, while 92 per cent believed this goal is achievable within the industry as long as the government provides the required support.
The report went on to highlight the critical role played by green skills in achieving sustainable manufacturing, pointing out that a third of companies surveyed continue to experience a skills gap in this aspect. Meanwhile, 72 per cent of manufacturers identified innovative skills as crucial in meeting green targets since the adoption of new technology is expected to support manufacturers to explore methods of reaching their own net-zero targets, the report added.
As 61 per cent of manufacturers look to change their skills strategy in order to increase sustainability in their operations, Make UK called on the government to introduce reforms in local education and training market to meet the green skills needs of manufacturers.
