As a country, the UK Government has set the manufacturing industry various targets and goals to effect change in the way we, as manufacturers operate and interact with clients.
Block is committed to doing its part to help work towards Net zero as a manufacturer refers to the goal of achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset.
This concept is crucial in the context of climate change mitigation, as manufacturing processes are known to contribute significantly to global GHG emissions. By striving for net zero, we and all manufacturers aim to minimize our environmental impact and play a role in transitioning towards a more sustainable future. To achieve this, we must understand how we can achieve net zero, it is essential to define the key processes involved:
1. Assessing and reducing emissions:
The first step towards net zero is understanding the current emissions profile of our manufacturing facility. This involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of all sources of GHG emissions, including direct emissions from on-site activities and indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam. By identifying emission hotspots, we can & have prioritize reduction efforts.
To reduce emissions, Block has investigated various strategies such as improving energy efficiency, optimizing production processes, and implementing cleaner technologies, such as the introduction of our own delivery vehicle optimising the latest Euro engines with add blue and will consider further advancement with HGV commercial alternative fuel vehicles as they come online.
Our process has involved investing in energy-efficient equipment, upgrading infrastructure, or retrofitting existing systems. Additionally, we have explored opportunities for using renewable energy sources on-site, namely solar panels. We have decided to embrace this technology fully and subsequently are investing in solar panels being installed, this further underlines our commitment towards reducing our carbon footprint as we become self-sufficient in producing electricity for the work we undertake.
2. Offsetting emissions:
The UK’s concerted efforts to reduce emissions, it has not always been possible for us, as a Nation, to eliminate them entirely. As well as physical change within the business we have considered, offsetting which has involved Block applying detailed route planning and max load requirements to ensure we observe planned route delivering efficiently then on the return leg doing collections and site visits. Further Block have looked at investing in projects that reduce GHG emissions elsewhere to compensate for the remaining emissions generated. Additional we have considered investment in EV vehicles, Hybrid vehicles and Hydrogen transport, tree planting and supporting organic fertilisers in the countryside initiatives, Biomass technology recycling/upcycling through to cycle to work initiatives and the alike.
3. Collaboration and supply chain engagement:
Achieving net zero has often required collaboration and engagement with our suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders in the supply chain. Block work with suppliers to encourage the use of sustainable materials, reduced packaging, reduce transportation emissions, and promote energy-efficient practices. Collaboration with customers can involve providing information on the environmental impact of products and encouraging sustainable consumption patterns.
Furthermore, Block will look at engaging with industry associations, research institutions, and government bodies to share best practices, develop common standards, and advocate for supportive policies that facilitate the transition to net zero.
In addition to these steps, ongoing monitoring, reporting, and verification of emissions are essential to ensure progress towards net zero. Regular assessments help identify areas for improvement and enable Block to set targets and track their performance over time.
Achieving net zero as a manufacturer is not without challenges. It requires significant investments in technology upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and changes in operational practices. Additionally, the availability of renewable energy sources and reliable offset projects does pose challenges given our geographical location, that said we continue to seek out schemes that help us work towards our own goals in the fight to arrest climate change, it is only a small contribution to a global issue, but we must all do our collective bit to effect change.
However, we believe the benefits of pursuing net zero are substantial. Apart from mitigating climate change impacts, we have projected cost savings through improved energy efficiency and reduced resource consumption. Moreover, adopting sustainable practices is important to our brand reputation, alines with our environmentally conscious consumers, and create a competitive advantage in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.
In conclusion, achieving net zero as a Company involves assessing and reducing emissions through energy efficiency measures and cleaner technologies, offsetting remaining emissions through credible projects, and engaging in collaboration throughout the supply chain.
By embracing this strategy, Block can, and indeed does contribute to global efforts in combating climate change protecting our little blue planet for the next generations.