The manufacturing industry is taking positive steps to prepare for the rise of the low carbon economy. In response, Energy Solutions - an industry event dedicated to showcasing the latest strategies for sustainable business - is to be bigger and bolder than ever in 2011.
According to a recent McKinsey survey, more than 50% of executives consider sustainability; the management of environmental, social and governance issues as very or extremely important.
Manufacturing products that use non-polluting processes, conserve energy, are low cost and utilise natural resources, are just some of the steps the manufacturing industry should be working towards. So too are optimised supply chains with fuel efficient transportation of goods and modified infrastructure.
Developing an integrated, intelligent infrastructure is vital to the manufacturing industry.
Older manufacturing plants use up to six times as much energy than newer, more energy efficient plants, proving that stagnation is unsustainable in more ways than one.
Jennifer Eastman, marketing manager, eSight Energy, explains: “A number of drivers encourage companies to actively reduce energy consumption: legislation, corporate social responsibility, increasing pressure on resources and spiralling energy costs. Energy is a key input to any business and makes up an ever-increasing proportion of overheads – it is therefore now a key target for companies looking to reduce costs and improve profitability.” Innovative and sustainable activities can boost the manufacturing industry and help achieve the substantial task of establishing a low-carbon economy on a global scale.
Those responsible for taking these steps should visit Energy Solutions 2011 – widely regarded as the UK’s leading energy event – where they can gain access to authoritative advice.
Attractions and value-adds With innovation and knowledge driving the sector, Energy Solutions is set to return with its much anticipated Energy Academy seminar programme. Also back by popular demand is The Renewables Theatre.
The 2011 programme will focus on micro-generation and sustainable power, complimented by The Green-Tech Theatre which, year on year, highlights the key success factors and learnings from the latest energy saving programmes.
Demonstrating its unrivalled support from industry leading organisations, Energy Solutions has called on the Carbon Trust, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Environment Agency, Carbon Clear and the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC) to create the most instructive and authoritative free educational line-up.
The definitive Energy Academy seminar programme sees Harry Morrison, general manager for Carbon Trust Standard, deliver ‘UK 2050 – Converting to a low carbon economy,’ while Paul Wilson, head of the CRC Energy Efficiency Team at DECC presents the keynote session: ‘The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme – Supporting the transition to a secure, safe, low-carbon and affordable energy system in the UK.’ Alongside industry leading exhibitors such as EBM-papst, FLIR, STC, UPL, eSight, Bayat Energy and ENER-G, Energy Solutions provides the ideal opportunity to engage with key decisionmakers and industry experts, network with top-tier professionals and is home to a number of exciting feature areas.
New to Energy Solutions for 2011 and run in association with the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC), Energy Question Time will focus on the key energy procurement issues relevant to UK businesses. Attendees are invited to put questions to the panel of respected industry professionals participating in the most anticipated energy-related panel debate.
With innovation key to the manufacturing sector, the Innovation Showcase returns to Energy Solutions for its second year, providing a platform for pioneering industry experts to present the latest sustainability innovations. Additionally, the Innovation and Sustainability Awards will highlight the success stories of the year, celebrating the people, products and services that have made a real difference in their industries.
