The Net Zero Vision: How is the UK doing?
The UK was one of the first major economies to create a legally binding net zero target. The goal is to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
But setting targets is only the first step. Actions speak louder than words – anyone can set ambitious goals, but actually making them a reality is a little bit harder.
So just how is the UK doing in achieving our net zero vision? And what can manufacturers do to play their part in reducing carbon emissions?
Progress so far
Decarbonisation of the UK got off to a great start with emissions being cut to less than half the levels they were in 1990. This is mainly down to phasing out fossil fuels (in particular, coal) and focusing on renewable energy.
But while this is an excellent result, the hard work is just getting started. The energy sector was always going to be the best place to start, but now we need to see ambitious action from other sectors too.
According to an assessment by the Climate Change Committee, only a third of the emissions reductions required to achieve the country’s target are currently covered by credible plans.
Fortunately, the conversation around climate change has been loud and most individuals are more aware of how they impact the environment. This has put pressure on businesses to evaluate their carbon footprint and make changes where they can.
Not everyone is on board with the net zero vision and some people are sceptical about climate change. But in general, most people are happy to work towards a greener future.
What needs to happen now?
Progress has been good, but we need to make sure it doesn’t stall. That means continuing with decarbonisation efforts.
Increase solar and wind power
To meet consumer energy needs, we’ll need to build more onshore and offshore wind farms and significantly increase the number of solar installations. It is estimated that we will need at least three times as many offshore wind farms and at least double the number of onshore installations. Solar installations must also increase.
The Labour government recently introduced the Great British Energy Bill. The idea is to set up a publicly owned clean power company to accelerate investment in renewable energy.
And advancements in technology mean that it is now more practical and affordable for homes and businesses to invest in their own renewable energy systems. This reduces the pressure on the grid, meaning less reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Make heat pumps commonplace
Gas, coal and oil boilers are being phased out and replaced with more eco-friendly heating systems such as heat pumps. The government is helping homeowners make the switch by offering grants to lessen their financial investment. They are also planning to introduce legislation to ensure that any new homes built from 2025 onwards will have low-carbon heating systems as standard.
Many businesses, in particular manufacturers, are also utilising heat pump tech, as well as investing in other systems to reuse and recycle waste heat.
Switch to electric vehicles
Data from SMMT shows that the market share of electric cars being registered has grown in 2024. This means more car owners are switching from petrol or diesel to electric which is great news. Many businesses are also incorporating EVs into their fleets – some are fully EV.
As with all green technology, EVs are improving all the time. This is helping people feel more confident in making the switch. Some energy companies are supporting the adoption of EVs by offering special tariffs for EV charging.
But while the market for EVs is growing, it needs to grow faster to reach the target of 100% by 2030. Installation of public charge points is on track, but still needs to treble to support the goal of 100% EVs on the roads.
Tree planting and peatland restoration
The UK set ambitious targets for tree-planting and peatland restoration and unfortunately, they are not on track to meet these goals.
A significant focus on these areas is needed if the UK wants to get back on track and meet its net zero target. Businesses can support the efforts through carbon offsetting programmes.
Investment in greener manufacturing processes
The production of materials such as cement, steel, glass, bricks, aluminium and polymers is a major source of carbon emissions. And emissions generated in overseas production also have a negative climate impact on the UK’s environmental impact.
UK manufacturers must start taking responsibility for their carbon footprint by investing in greener production processes and thinking about the long-term environmental impact of their products.
How can UK manufacturers support the net zero vision?
The UK government has a lot of work to do, but they do not have to do it alone. Business owners can support the net zero vision by taking measures to become carbon neutral (or as close to net zero as possible).
Reduce energy use
Start with a thorough and structured assessment of your energy use. Look at every piece of equipment or machinery.
Where are you using the most energy? Where are the greatest inefficiencies? Are areas of your warehouse being lit unnecessarily? Are rooms being heated or cooled even when they are not in use? Where are the biggest opportunities for increased efficiency?
You might be surprised how much energy you could save without making huge investments.
• LED lighting
• Lighting control
• Heat pumps
• Heat capture
• Variable speed drives
• Voltage optimisation
• Power factor correction
• Insulation upgrades
• Control and automation
• Battery energy storage
Generate your own electricity
Businesses of all sizes can tap into technologies that allow them to generate their own electricity and doing so provides several benefits.
• Reduced energy bills
• Price protection
• Source of revenue
• Less waste
• Reduce dependence on the grid
• Reduce carbon footprint
Wind and solar power are the most viable options for smaller businesses. Wind-solar hybrid solutions are also an option, allowing you to benefit from sunshine in the summer months and make use of the wind during the winter.
Switch to an electric fleet
Transport makes up a significant proportion of the UK’s emissions. Switching to EV vehicles and installing workplace charge points is an excellent way to reduce your carbon emissions and carbon footprint.
By installing EV charging stations, you are setting a sustainable example to other businesses in your area and showing your employees, customers, and stakeholders that you are environmentally conscious.
And if you use renewable energy to power your charging points, you can reduce your emissions even further.
Invest in greener production processes
Material efficiency relates to the materials used in manufacturing and the amount of waste produced during production. But best practice doesn’t just look at what happens inside the factory; it looks at the entire supply chain.
Savvy manufacturers are paying attention to the full product lifecycle – from the carbon footprint of every component right through to whether the product can be recycled when it is no longer fit for purpose.
What measures are your suppliers taking to reduce their carbon emissions, and what about their suppliers? What happens when your product leaves the factory? Which components can be reused and recycled? Are there opportunities to encourage end-users to repair or recycle?
Offset or compensate
Where carbon emissions can’t be reduced, you might want to look at offsetting opportunities. These shouldn’t be used in place of reducing your carbon footprint but can be done in conjunction.
Offsetting initiatives include:
• Woodland creation
• Grassland preservation
• Methane capture
• Biogas projects
• Windfarms
• Solar-powered projects
• Ocean clean-ups
• Landfill gas management
Look for projects that can prove they remove carbon from the atmosphere and choose those that wouldn’t go ahead without your support.
Working with AES
As part of our mission to collectively reduce carbon emissions, we offer free energy reduction audits to manufacturers.
You’ll receive a full report detailing where energy consumption savings can be made and the cost savings to your business.
We also offer energy reduction services specifically for manufacturers. These include:
• Energy efficient lighting
• Voltage optimisation
• Power factor correction
• Variable speed drives
• Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS)
• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
• Electrical vehicle charge points
• Solar installation
• Smart controls
• Control and automation systems
If you’d like to start your journey to energy efficiency, get in touch to find out how AES can support your sustainability targets.