Green revolution gains momentum
May 1st 2009

Roger Parr, national network manager for the BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) discusses some of the key issues surrounding the green manufacturing revolution

In the 2009 Budget, the Government announced that £405 million of help would be made available to support the development of the low-carbon energy and advanced green manufacturing sector in the UK, with the funding available not only to support the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies but to help attract and protect investment in the UK's renewables sector.

MAS is tasked with improving the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing SMEs, by providing expert practical help and advice on key areas such as Lean and manufacturing best practice.We work closely with manufacturers on these areas, and collaborate with stakeholders who can help to develop and refine the products and innovations that will kick-start the low-carbon economy.

Speaking earlier in the year at a Low Carbon Economy Summit, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said: "Low carbon is not a sector of our economy, it is, or will be, our whole economy, and a global market... A low carbon industrial strategy must seize the opportunities that will come with change. That requires a new industrial activism for a new green industrial revolution."

Collaboration

So, what does this mean for manufacturing? It means government and business will have to work collaboratively to turn this wish into a reality.

Government is targeting a 34% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020; that's only 11 years away, so there's a very real sense of urgency and we need to work to a timescale of today, not tomorrow.

But what does this mean practically for manufacturing? Firstly, it means there are extensive opportunities for manufacturers to use existing technology and look at their own carbon emissions – that's a complex job in itself but can be achieved with help from people like MAS or the Carbon Trust.

Secondly, and on a larger scale, there are supply chain opportunities being developed.

One area in particular is the nuclear revival; worldwide orders on the nuclear supply chain have increased with the International Energy Agency anticipating at least 60 new plants in the next 15 years, which reveals an excellent opportunity for both the UK and global supply chain to prosper from new nuclear build.

This is where manufacturers will benefit; they are in a unique position to provide the engineering expertise and plan for, design, build and maintain the green revolution's infrastructure.

As I mentioned previously, many companies have the capability to not only support the complex supply chains that are beginning to emerge, but with help from MAS, we hope that they will be able to drive them forward, fuelling a highly productive and competitive global value chain for energy saving process technologies, component/weight reduction programmes and alternative power solutions, for example.

Next generation

Focussing manufacturing on providing the solution to current climate change problems will provide the opportunity to excite and stimulate the next generation of scientists and engineers, who will make up the much needed 'carbon army', that industry commentators are calling for.

Improved skills and a workforce we can be proud of will incrementally improve the overall image of British manufacturing and will, in turn, inspire the next generation of students to continue with STEM subjects and through apprenticeships schemes, we can start to inspire (and importantly, employ) the next batch of engineers today – not tomorrow.

Many of our manufacturers have and are taking significant steps already in delivering low carbon strategies across their businesses with significant results. R&D is central to manufacturing this green revolution, but this is easier said than done at present, especially if we're working to the timescale mentioned previously, which is today.

Both centralised and private investment, in innovation, design and technology exploitation will be a key driver for manufacturers who want to capitalise on and drive green manufacturing.

But due to the current economic climate, many companies may be tempted to reduce capital investment due to reduced order books and cash flow issues. These are immediate issues that we cannot let become long-term, ingrained institutionalised hindrances that hold the sector back.

Green and sustainable manufacturing that will fuel the green revolution is an exciting opportunity for manufacturers. The UK's manufacturing sector will have to lead the green revolution, not only by looking at its own practices and saving energy wherever possible (cutting waste is the bread and butter of any effective manufacturing company) but by capitalising on the increase in demand for low carbon goods.

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