The Made Smarter technology adoption programme has published a new whitepaper to help manufacturers in Stockport and across the North-west accelerate plans towards net zero carbon emissions.
‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation: manufacturing made smarter and greener with technology’ is a free-to-download practical guide that aims to simplify a complex and fast-evolving topic by demystifying some of the terminology and analysing the latest research. The whitepaper from the government-backed and industry-led technology adoption programme offers insights about how a variety of technologies enable manufacturing and engineering businesses to make things smarter and greener, while powering growth and creating new highly skilled jobs.
The whitepaper also includes case-studies from businesses from across the North-west that have already accessed support from the Made Smarter programme to begin decarbonisation. It also signposts to other net zero campaigns that manufacturers can access help and information from, including the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign and the SME Climate Hub and Business Carbon Calculator.
Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme, commented:
“Manufacturing is vital to the UK economy and our daily lives. But it also has a colossal impact on our environment.
“The pressure and scrutiny on the sector to be more sustainable is ramping up, and coming from all directions. It is our biggest challenge, but it is also a significant opportunity.
“Decarbonisation is not a distraction. It is an imperative. Talk needs to stop and make way for action and a concerted commitment to change. UK manufacturing must get behind the mantra that the future is decarbonised and digital.
“Made Smarter is committed to help small and medium sized makers get there with vision, technology, leadership and collaboration. Our hope is that our ‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation’ whitepaper will become a valuable part of any manufacturer’s toolkit to support their net zero journey.”
Made Smarter is a government-backed programme of support for UK manufacturers, first piloted in the North-west, to help them embrace new technology and digitalisation to drive future growth and job creation in the sector. Digital transformation workshops offer practical steps towards digitisation and a clear digital roadmap to follow. There is also funding to help SMEs invest in technology and a variety of support to enable businesses to adapt to the green skills and digital leadership a net zero future demands. Donna Edwards added:
“For the climate emergency, digitalisation offers manufacturers a huge opportunity to deliver operational efficiencies, decarbonise heat and power, optimise design and materials, and improve logistics and transport, benefitting their business, their bottom line and the environment. Then there is the reputational gain which helps secure customer loyalty, as well as attract new talent and investment.
“While decarbonisation might feel overwhelming, and it is by no means a simple task, it is vital manufacturers recognise they are not alone. Combating climate change demands collaboration, and that is exactly what Made Smarter is here for.”
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