Achieving net-zero emissions in the manufacturing industry requires a comprehensive approach that addresses emissions across the entire value chain. Here are the steps manufacturing companies can take to work towards this goal:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Emissions Assessment: Begin with a thorough assessment of current emissions across all scopes, including direct emissions from manufacturing processes (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased electricity and heat (Scope 2), and emissions from the supply chain and product lifecycle (Scope 3).
2. Set Clear and Ambitious Targets: Establish science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with achieving net-zero. These targets should be measurable, time-bound, and grounded in the latest climate science.
3. Invest in Energy Efficiency: Implement energy efficiency measures throughout manufacturing operations to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. This may involve upgrading equipment, optimizing processes, and adopting energy management systems to identify and address inefficiencies.
4. Transition to Renewable Energy: Shift to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to power manufacturing facilities. Investing in on-site renewable energy generation or purchasing renewable energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs) can significantly reduce Scope 2 emissions.
5. Optimize Supply Chain Operations: Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for emissions reductions throughout the supply chain. This includes optimizing transportation logistics, reducing material waste, and sourcing materials from sustainable, low-carbon suppliers.
6. Adopt Low-Carbon Technologies: Embrace low-carbon technologies and processes, such as electrification, hydrogen-based processes, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), to decarbonize manufacturing. Investing in research and development to innovate new low-carbon technologies can drive long-term emissions reductions.
7. Implement Circular Economy Practices: Transition towards a circular economy model by designing products for durability, recyclability, and reuse. Incorporate principles such as product lifecycle extension, remanufacturing, and closed-loop recycling to minimize waste and resource consumption.
8. Offset Remaining Emissions: Invest in high-quality carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality for emissions that cannot be eliminated through internal efforts. Carbon offset projects, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and methane capture, can help offset emissions while providing additional environmental and social benefits.
9. Engage Stakeholders and Build Partnerships: Collaborate with industry peers, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to share best practices, leverage resources, and advocate for supportive policies and regulations that facilitate the transition to net-zero emissions.
10. Monitor, Track, and Report Progress: Establish robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track progress towards emissions reduction targets. Regularly review performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and transparently communicate progress to stakeholders to maintain accountability and drive continuous improvement.
By implementing these steps and adopting a holistic approach to emissions reduction, manufacturing companies can make significant strides towards achieving net-zero emissions while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Author:
Ankit Kapoor
Digital Transformation Lead – Manufacturing
Cisco India & SAARC
