The UK’s manufacturing sector is turning to energy efficiency technologies to reduce costs and cut emissions, with 79% realising that energy is a critical issue in the year ahead.
The change in approach is supported by investment sentiment with more than two thirds (68%) planning to increase their investment in energy management during the next 12 months, particularly in renewable and self-generation technologies.
The report entitled The Future of Energy: the UK Manufacturing Opportunity campaigned the views of board directors, senior management and energy managers from 600 UK manufacturers operating across all major sectors revealing energy management is now being discussed at board level in the majority (89%) of businesses.
The UK’s manufacturing sector is making progress in managing its energy consumption., with almost three quarters (72%) finding a useful result.
The main driver is to achieve a competitive advantage, with most manufacturers measuring the success of an energy management project against these criteria. However, some businesses still fail to recognise the financial benefits that an energy management strategy can deliver.
Staff engagement is also important in any energy management strategy and more than three quarters (76%) of manufacturers said they have a training programme in place to support energy management initiatives.
There are perceived barriers to investing in energy management for some, with fears around return on investment still pervading. Others citied budgetary constraints and the level of capital outlay, while some felt they did not have the man power or resources to make it a priority over other areas.
Conversely, the majority (67%) said there was a senior director responsible for energy management activities in their organisation which underlines the commercial significance manufacturers place on this area.
Most businesses (70%) are taking a strategic approach to their energy management activities, with clear objectives in place for the year ahead, however this drops to 50% for five year planning. That said, almost three quarters (72%) say they have plans in place to manage energy price risk to help protect them from fluctuations in pricing.
With cost being at the heart of most energy management activities, it is encouraging to see the greater share of businesses (73%) are aware of their annual energy spend, particularly in the energy-intensive glass industries.
Commenting on the findings, Steve Barker, head of Energy Efficiency and Environmental Care at Siemens Industry, said: “It is most welcome to witness the progress the manufacturing sector is making, especially as one of the most energy-intensive areas of the UK economy.
“Indeed, the recent publication of details concerning the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) continues to ensure that a focus on energy remains in the spotlight. Progress in terms of leadership from the top, strategic planning, proactive staff engagement, and increased investment levels are all to be applauded – but the real reward for business is evidenced in the bottom line.
“A significant minority of manufacturers are still struggling to recognise the benefits of a strategic approach to energy management, but often the perceived barriers to investment can be easily overcome with the right information and flexible financial support
“There are many manufacturers already leading the way and, together with expert technology partners, they can help to inspire and educate those who say they have ‘other priorities’ over and above energy management. For UK industry, the challenges around managing energy consumption will only intensify in the years to come and doing nothing is not an option for businesses that want to thrive.”
