ESG Metric: GHG Scope 1 emissions
Ease of implementation: Hard
Suitable for: Manufacturing businesses
Suggested functional lead: Facility manager
Summary
Upgrading to more efficient and higher quality technology can be a higher cost up front but can save costs and increase system efficiency in the long run. This will, in turn, reduce the energy used and the associated emissions produced. It is crucial to assess the various upgrades available to make the best and most informed decision for your systems. Following the upgrade, ensure regular maintenance and assessments take place to maintain lower emission rates.
Background Information
According to the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy 2021, the manufacturing sector is responsible for a sixth of the UK GHG emissions. In Europe, the manufacturing industry is responsible for 880 million tonnes of CO2e annually. While many manufacturers opt for cheaper systems and machinery to decrease upfront costs, it can be more costly in the long run as the lifespan is short and the repercussion of emissions can be high. This will also lead to increased waste, further increasing the environmental impact of the cheaper, lower quality machinery.
Implementation Steps
Get permission from facilities manager
Not all companies own their own facility, which mean permission must be requested from the facility manager to upgrade any manufacturing systems.
Get your current manufacturing systems assessed
Book an accredited assessor to assess the current systems. Finding an assessor will be country specific. They will provide suggestions on upgrades, including the estimated cost and timeline for the upgrade.
Research and gather information on upgrades
The professional assessor will provide suggestions and additional information for the facility to ensure an informed decision can be made on the most cost-effective upgrade options. It is vital to conduct further research into your specific technology and the least disruptive upgrade for your business to ensure long-term efficiency.
Set financial approval and budgetary restraints
With the compiled list of potential upgrades and work required, you can identify any budgetary restraints or areas where extra funds are required. Various countries have governmental grants for upgrading to high quality machinery to reduce the sectors’ emissions. Find the UK grant options here. Work together with the finance department to determine allowed budget and grant applications.
Schedule the upgrade
After budgetary approval has been granted, the upgrade can be scheduled. If the facility is occupied daily, work is advised to be scheduled outside of working hours to minimise disruption. Some system upgrades require a more extended time to install, so temporary alternatives to business as usual must be set in place.
Assign responsibility for maintenance
Assign a member of staff to maintain the new systems and assess their efficiency relative to the previous systems.
Schedule annual assessment
It is advised that an accredited assessor does an annual assessment to check for any issues and ensure maximum efficiency throughout your facility.