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Net zero workforce in manufacturing

Manufacturing & Distribution

At Polestar, we’ve written many articles on how ESG policies play a big part of the value of a company. For both consumers and investors, a sustainable company is worth more than others. This is for two reasons: meeting regulatory requirements on managing their carbon footprint and reducing the impact of their products and offerings on the environment when in use.

The UK government has a net-zero carbon commitment by 2050, which will require a transition in all sectors of the UK economy. The manufacturing and construction sectors together account for 16% of total UK emissions. A lot of the problem will be solved when making a digital transition within the manufacturing and construction industry. 

For that reason, Deloitte has written a guide for manufacturing companies to reduce their carbon footprint in their workforce, which I thought was valuable sharing for those of you who are considering making that transition. Here are some highlights:

  • Put sustainability at the heart of business strategy: manufacturing and construction companies should consider including sustainability in their business purpose, set clear decarbonisation targets and build their company strategy around it. Employee will need to be empowered to play their part and bring fresh ideas to help the company exceed its targets. Having individual responsibility and ability to act will be important to reach net zero targets.
  • Focus on digital and transferable skills and capabilities that allow learning rather than focusing on industry knowledge and experience: It’s time to reconsider the short- and long-term workforce needs of their organisation and find the right blend of specific skills and knowledge, soft skills and capabilities, and digital/human interface. The ability to work alongside and effectively incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality tools and robotics into day-to-day activities will also become critical capabilities.
  • Adapt the workplace: How will your workplace reflect modern, hybrid working practices? There will need to be new combinations of collaborative teaming and digital technologies provide flexibility on where and when work gets done. 

Although this guide is aimed at manufacturing and construction companies, it can really be applied to many other sectors. A digital transition will be important for most companies to stay competitive in their markets, in both profitable and sustainable goals.

At Polestar, we remain excited about working with manufacturing companies. We have background knowledge in the manufacturing field from sector valuations and previous deals. Alongside that, we can introduce you to many key contacts that may help with some of your problems today.

As always, if you are interested, please reach out!

These actions should build a highly motivated workforce that is ready to deliver the net zero goals in support of a cleaner, brighter and more sustainable future for the benefit of both business and the wider society.

By Anusheh Khan on 18/10/2021