CUTTING THROUGH THE ‘CARBON JARGON’ TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO
New research has revealed that the amount of ‘carbon jargon’ - different ways of describing emissions reduction targets, strategies and measurement - could be seriously hampering business progress towards net zero. The report, from energy consultant Inspired
Energy, has revealed that 86% of organisations believe ‘net zero’ could become a meaningless term unless there’s a more coherent approach to how it is interpreted and measured. The ‘Cutting the Carbon Jargon’ report canvassed
the views of over 100 energy professionals across sectors including manufacturing. While many are being proactive in setting ambitious carbon reduction targets - 88% are working towards new strategies, rising to 97% among manufacturers and dropping to 79% for retailers - only half (53%) said that they ‘fully understand’ the term ‘net zero’. However, even among those businesses, the
research revealed the way it is interpreted varies significantly. Over two-thirds of energy professionals admitted that they’re confused by the sheer amount of terms used to describe carbon
reduction, and when asked to define the meaning of net zero, energy professionals mentioned carbon offsetting (42%), carbon or emission elimination (36%) and carbon emission reduction (17%). The report sets out key issues that need to be
addressed, from the lack of a single reference point for businesses to ensure clarity and consistency, to the need for a Net Zero roadmap to allow businesses to plan and adapt their operations. Dan Crowe, Optimisation Manager at Inspired
Energy, said: “While it’s fantastic that so many businesses are firmly committing to carbon reduction strategies, the research reveals that the amount of ‘carbon jargon’ could hamper progress towards achieving net zero. There should be no room for interpretation: businesses need clear guidance to understand what is expected of them and what strategies they can pursue to achieve it.” The report also examined whether energy
professionals felt under pressure to deliver ambitious carbon reduction targets, with almost a quarter saying the most pressure was coming from their organisation’s board or CEO. However, almost
two-thirds of businesses expressed concern that their carbon reduction targets could be seen as ‘jumping on the net zero bandwagon’. Brigitte Amoruso, Energy and Climate Change
Lead at Make UK, writes within the report: “There are currently various ways to approach net zero, which is confusing, particularly as manufacturing businesses are at various starting points on their path towards it. Without a clear and consistent mandate and guidance from the Government, the net zero ambition risks becoming meaningless. Make UK stands ready to work with the Government, in line with the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC’s) recommendations, to define a suitable approach for UK manufacturers.” Inspired Energy is already working with
businesses to support companies in their net zero ambitions, working through a structured framework to set Science Based Targets, explore and implement carbon reduction strategies and technologies, and put in place robust measurement and reporting tools to monitor progress.
www.inspiredenergy.com/carbonjargon
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ONLINE HUB PLANS TO INSPIRE TOMORROW’S ENGINEERS
As we head towards the end of 2020, many of us will be hoping that 2021 brings with it better times. If this year has taught us anything, it is the important role technology and automation play in our every day lives. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of many technologies, allowing us to carry on producing essential supplies and offering vital services, and it is these technologies that will play a pivotal role in the production of the much- anticipated COVID-19 vaccine. 2020 is also the year in which
Process & Control celebrates its 40th Anniversary, and our next issue will not only mark this milestone, but will also feature a whole new look to take the magazine into its next decade. The bumper issue will be packed full of articles covering the technologies mentioned above, and how they can help all of us navigate a (hopefully) post- pandemic world. Don’t miss your digital or printed copy! Michelle Lea
Editor
Tomorrow’s Engineers Week has come to a close with the announcement of a new online hub to provide information and guidance to those organisations supporting and inspiring young people into engineering careers. The online resource, due to go live this month, will provide free advice and guidance, sourced from across the engineering community. The site will cover a range of
topics, from suggestions on how to ensure an inclusive approach and develop engaging outreach activities, to ways to survey young people. The hub is also expected to
provide support to signatories and supporters of the new Tomorrow’s Engineers Code which was launched in October and is now managed by EngineeringUK. The Code is a new approach to
engagement, with Professional Engineering Institutions, FTSE 100 corporates, SMEs, government departments and universities working towards common goals to increase the diversity and number of young people entering engineering. Signatories to the Code make four
pledges about their approach to funding, designing, delivering, and learning from engineering- inspiration activities. The announcement comes after a
week of activity designed to address concerns that since March 2020, over three quarters (76%) of 11-19 year olds have not accessed formal careers activities. [source:
www.engineeringuk.com] A packed calendar saw engineering
institutions, employers and schools come together to deliver inspiring activity to show young people the vital importance of engineering careers and deliver advice about how to become an engineer in the future. Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of
EngineeringUK, said: “With the framework provided by the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code and the information and guidance shortly available via the online hub, the engineering community will be in a great position to achieve the collective impact needed to see an increase in the number and diversity of young people entering engineering careers.”
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
SME manufacturing output fell at a considerably slower pace in the three months to October, following July’s record decline, according to the latest quarterly CBI SME Trends Survey. The survey of 285 SME
manufacturers reported that total new orders stabilised. Domestic orders were broadly unchanged, and export orders fell at a more moderate pace. But while the decline in
employment also slowed from the last quarter, the cut in headcount among SME manufacturers remained significant. Business sentiment was roughly
unchanged in the quarter to October, following a slight recovery in July. Export sentiment fell at a similar pace to the previous quarter. Looking ahead to the next quarter,
SME manufacturers expect output to grow at a solid pace. Total new orders are anticipated to pick up slightly, reflecting a slight rise in domestic orders and export orders falling at a more modest pace. Encouragingly, employment is also expected to rise modestly.
www.cbi.org.uk
4 NOVEMBER 2020 | PROCESS & CONTROL
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