SMEs and the net zero challenge

With manufacturing accounting for around 20 per cent of all of UK greenhouse gas emissions (according to figures published by BEIS), and around 95 per cent of the sector’s businesses classified as SMEs, it’s clear that the SME community has an important role to play in helping the UK hit its 2050 net zero targets.

But despite some striking progress towards this target from many organisations, others remain daunted and bewildered by the challenge, unsure where to even begin and fearful that prioritising sustainability and green initiatives could adversely affect the bottom line. 

In a recent panel session, The Engineer and the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult brought together a cross sector group of industry panelists to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs, examine key practical measures that they can take to reduce their carbon footprint and explore some of the help available to help drive these activities.