Drive to net zero at risk from “almost useless” myriad of data, UK manufacturing’s strategic research group warns

• Manufacturing accounts for two-fifths of the UK’s carbon emissions
• Lack of common carbon accounting standards means it is “virtually impossible” to track emissions reductions across the sector
• Carbon reporting uses varying terminology and formats, meaning vital information can be “obscured or lost”
• The High Value Manufacturing Catapult offers to work with government departments to create a common accounting framework, methodology and metrics

Manufacturing produces 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint yet the lack of a common accounting framework for corporates and products means the sector cannot properly track emissions. A universal methodology for measuring and reporting emissions must be developed - with government agreement on which metrics must be used - according to a new report by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC).

There is a particular problem on what are known as ‘Scope Three’ emissions – indirectly produced emissions, such as early materials extraction and processing. These account for up to 90% of emissions and are fundamental to reaching net zero.

The Embodied Emissions and Net Zero report adds that additional assistance will be needed to support SMEs understand and “demystify” carbon accounting. The report warns: “Without a proper auditing and monitoring system in place, there is no way of knowing where the UK manufacturing industry is in terms of working towards and meeting net zero targets.”

HVMC chief executive Katherine Bennett said:

“Tracking carbon emissions is now an integral part of a company’s annual audit. Yet, a myriad of different carbon accounting standards and methodologies are used, meaning that the data is rendered almost useless when combined across the manufacturing sector."

“Given the energy intensive nature of manufacturing, this lack of common data makes tracking overall emissions reductions almost impossible and vital information can be obscured or lost. This risks completely undermining the UK’s drive to net zero. We would be delighted to work with relevant government departments, such as BEIS, to address this shortfall and jointly develop these universal standards.”

Notes to editors:

• The reports can be accessed here.
• The full title of HVMC’s report is: HVMC Embodied Emissions and Net Zero. A Review of Standards, Recommendations for Consistent Green House Gas Emissions Accounting in the UK.
• A second report called: HVMC Embodied Emissions and Net Zero. A Review of Tools and Databases for Consistent Green House Gas Emissions Accounting in the UK has also been produced.
• The High Value Manufacturing Catapult comprises of seven world-leading research centres, which work with thousands of companies each year to commercialise the UK’s best industrial concepts.
• The centres are:
  • Advanced Forming Research Centre – at the University of Strathclyde
  • Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – University of Sheffield 
  • Centre for Process Innovation – Redcar, Sedgefield and Darlington
  • Manufacturing Technology Centre – near Coventry
  • National Composites Centre – at Bristol and Bath Science Park
  • Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – University of Sheffield
  • WMG – University of Warwick

In 2021/22, the centres produced 2,677 commercial projects and worked with more than 5,500 companies.

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