Manufacturers cite carbon footprint as major reason to improve energy management

Results of a survey by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and energy supplier npower, have shown that while 96% of companies cite cutting energy bills as a reason for implementing energy management, almost two thirds of those surveyed see reducing their carbon footprint as a strong reason for introducing energy efficiency measures.

According to the survey, Britain’s manufacturers are increasing their investment in strategic energy management and efficiency in order to improve their competitive position against a backdrop of rising energy costs.

EEF head of climate and environment policy Gareth Stace said: “Managing higher energy costs whilst maintaining international competitiveness is one of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today.

“The most advanced companies are systematically addressing inefficiencies in their buildings and processes to try and mitigate rising costs that come straight off the bottom line. This must remain a focus for all manufacturers,” he adds.

Stace says “the prize” for companies’ effectively managing energy is significant.

“This is not simply because of the direct benefit of reducing costs and improving our competitiveness, but because manufacturers will develop the technologies and services which will help other parts of the economy improve their efficiency.”

Leigh Stringer