Manufacturers are embracing energy efficiency, report finds

Titled Driving Industrial Energy Efficiencies, the research examines how energy-efficient practices and technologies can help companies save money and boost productivity while simultaneously moving towards net zero targets.                                    

According to the report, net zero is a priority for 92 per cent or businesses and 68 per cent have made relevant investments, with 22 per cent planning to in the next 12 months

Over the past two years, the cost of energy has been highly turbulent, exacerbated by an increase in operational costs. According to Make UK, this has left manufacturers forced to operate with a reduced margin, making introducing energy efficiency projects an attractive proposition.

The report shows that businesses have been taking a two-pronged approach to reducing energy consumption, from low-cost, low-effort measures to more costly investments that deliver equipment and process upgrades. Steps such as getting the right energy supplier and securing an advantageous contract is critical. Monitoring energy use through smart meters and sub-metering can further cut consumption. One rubber compound manufacturer saved £62,734 through a better energy contract and over £48,000 by reducing waste through circuit-level (sub-meter) monitoring.