Building a sustainable future in manufacturing
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in the manufacturing sector; it’s becoming a necessity. With rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions, businesses are facing mounting pressures to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness on a global scale.
The Norfolk and Suffolk region is already setting the stage for a cleaner, greener future, with the manufacturing sector at the heart of these changes. Let’s take a look at what’s driving this shift and the opportunities it brings.
What is driving sustainability in the manufacturing sector?
Rising energy costs
Energy bills are climbing, and it’s hitting manufacturers hard. Recent data shows that manufacturers in the UK are now facing average monthly energy bills of £20,057 per factory, an increase of £2,182 compared to previous periods. With global market fluctuations and a growing push for decarbonisation, businesses are looking at ways to use energy more efficiently to lower costs and stay competitive.
Supply chain issues
With the aftereffects of COVID and Brexit still rippling through the industry, manufacturers are grappling with material shortages, rising transport costs and ever increasingly complex supply chains. These challenges have highlighted the need to build more resilient supply chains. Sustainability isn’t just about being environmentally friendly — it’s also about ensuring long-term business stability and navigating these ongoing disruptions while keeping costs under control.
What does this mean for Norfolk and Suffolk?
The region is positioning itself as a leader in clean growth, with the Norfolk & Suffolk Economic Strategy focusing on the importance of clean energy generation, particularly through offshore wind.
By 2032, Norfolk and Suffolk are set to create thousands of skilled jobs in the offshore wind sector, with key investments in the ports of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. These ports are becoming key hubs for offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M), manufacturing, and assembly. Significant investments like the £18m O&M campus in Great Yarmouth and the £25m Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF) will further support this growth.
Additionally, the region’s ongoing developments in nuclear, bioenergy, and solar technologies will provide more opportunities for local manufacturers to contribute to the clean energy sector.
Why should manufacturers focus on sustainability?
Driving efficiencies
Sustainability doesn’t just help the planet—it helps your business too. Manufacturers who go green often find that their operations become more efficient. Reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing throughput are just some of the ways sustainability can boost your business.
Cutting costs
With material and energy costs constantly rising, reducing resource consumption has never been more important. Sustainable practices, like using renewable energy or streamlining production processes, can help businesses save money and stay profitable.
Winning contracts
More and more tenders are asking businesses to share their carbon footprint. Companies that don’t show a commitment to sustainability could miss out on important contracts. On the other hand, businesses that invest in sustainable practices will have the edge over competitors.
What has NAAME done to support sustainability?
At NAAME, we’re all about supporting manufacturers as they make the leap towards sustainability. Here are a few of the initiatives we’ve introduced:
ESG Conference
In 2022, we hosted a successful ESG conference at BT, bringing together 170 business leaders from the manufacturing sector. This event allowed businesses to learn from experts and share best practices for integrating sustainability into operations.
Workshops with industry experts
We offer fully funded workshops with industry experts like Dr Nigel Davies from Malt Doctor, helping businesses learn how to cut their carbon footprint and boost energy efficiency in practical ways.
Net Zero Champions
Our Net Zero Champions initiative connects businesses with peers who are already making strides towards net zero. Whether it’s through solar energy, battery storage, or going paperless, our champions are eager to share their experiences and offer advice to those just starting out.
Access to the Acoustic Imager
We offer our members access to the Acoustic Imager, a fantastic tool that helps identify inefficiencies and equipment issues early. With compressed air systems being integral to over 80% of industrial operations—and many carrying inefficiencies due to air leaks—this tool is invaluable. Thanks to our partnership with West Suffolk Council, our members can access the Acoustic Imager for free, helping businesses reduce waste, improve efficiency, and save on repairs.
Support for Suffolk businesses
We work with Groundwork East, who offers free support to Suffolk businesses to help reduce emissions and energy costs. They provide carbon footprint assessments and help secure funding for energy-saving initiatives.
Moving forward together
With rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and an increasing demand for greener practices, now is the time to make sustainability a priority. New Anglia is leading the charge, and manufacturers who act now will be better equipped to succeed in the future.
At NAAME, we’re here to support you every step of the way, with the tools, expertise, and connections you need to thrive in a clean-growth economy.
Become a member for free to access resources and support on your sustainability journey