The International Energy Agency (IEA) has declared the industry sector off track to achieve net zero by 2050, with industry accounting for a quarter of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. To tackle climate issues caused by emissions, manufacturers must consider not only their energy consumption but also the type of resources they use. Here, Patrik Eurenius, Head of Sustainability and Environment, Health and Safety at metal cutting tools and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant, explores how industry can meet sustainability goals by taking a holistic approach to energy usage and renewable resources. Sustainable manufacturing plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
Tracking Progress Towards Net Zero
The IEA’s Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2023 report tracked 50 essential components for the clean energy transition, judging each one as ‘on track,’ ‘more efforts needed,’ or ‘not on track’ against the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario trajectory for 2030. The report declared that none of the industrial sectors, including steel and aluminium, were ‘on track.’
However, progress in recent years is promising, with the IEA predicting that renewable energy will become the world’s biggest source of power by early 2025, overtaking coal.
An increasing number of companies are committing to reducing their emissions, with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announcing a 102% growth in businesses validating their targets in 2023 compared with all previous years. To achieve an SBTi validation, businesses must follow best practices defined by climate science and risk being removed if they fail to submit sufficiently ambitious goals.
Through the wider Sandvik Group, Sandvik Coromant’s net-zero target was validated in 2023. This includes achieving net zero in our own operations by 2035 and the whole value chain by 2050. Between 2019 and 2023, we succeeded in halving our scope 1 and 2 emissions—those directly or indirectly caused by us. We aim to reduce them by 85% in our own operations by 2030. However, for manufacturers that are early in their sustainability journey, it can be difficult to know where to start.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Emission Reduction
To reduce emissions, manufacturers could invest in renewable energy solutions for their facilities. For example, factory roofs are typically large, flat, underutilised spaces that can be used for generating energy without the need for additional land. Sandvik Coromant has completed and connected a 10,000-square-metre photovoltaic (PV) array at its Rovereto Production Unit in Italy, partnering with regional renewables leader Dolomiti Energia.
Now fully operational, the panels will produce 836,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually, reducing the location-based emissions and electricity purchase of the plant by 13%. Our Rovereto unit is not alone in improving its use of renewable sources, with our Langfang site in China generating 1,645 kWh of solar energy each day, enough to power 55 homes daily.
However, to make the most out of renewable energy resources, it is important to approach the energy transition from different angles. Sandvik Coromant has also invested in converting the Rovereto facility to LED, heat recovery, and variable demand controllers. These measures are vital steps towards sustainable manufacturing.
Energy Efficiency in Production Facilities
Another way of cutting scope 1 and 2 emissions is by improving the energy efficiency of a production facility. At Sandvik Coromant, the installation of heat pumps at several of our facilities has proved effective in boosting energy efficiency. For example, at our Katowice site in Poland, the implementation of an integrated heat pump, chiller, and heat recovery system has led to a 24% reduction in energy consumption and a 40% reduction in natural gas usage.
Sandvik Coromant reaches outside of our own facilities and into the production floors of other manufacturers to reduce emissions through our newest integrated tool. Increased efficiency reduces overall energy consumption, which in turn leads to fossil fuels making up a smaller share of the plant’s energy mix. Sandvik Coromant’s Sustainability Analyser tool allows manufacturers to measure the energy consumption per component in kilowatt hours (kWh), as well as annual energy consumption and the amount of CO2 emissions generated per year. This enables customers to make better-informed cutting tool selections to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Taking a Holistic Approach to Net Zero
Attaining SBTi validation and reducing emissions in line with net-zero targets is achievable, but it requires a strategy that acknowledges that all steps in the manufacturing process are interconnected and dependent on one another. For example, investing in renewable energy technologies is beneficial, but if energy efficiency improvements are not made within production, it is unlikely that a manufacturer will be able to substantially lower their scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Taking a holistic perspective is outlined in Sandvik Coromant’s Manufacturing Wellness mindset, which also comprises seven other habits. These include embracing new technologies, unlocking potential with data, and benefitting from strong partners, each of which are crucial for helping manufacturers to embrace sustainable manufacturing practices and cut their carbon dioxide emissions.
For instance, the installation of the PV technology at the Rovereto plant would not have been possible without the renewable energy expertise of Dolomiti Energia. Partnering for success not only means benefitting from specific, technical know-how that might be unavailable in-house but also ensuring that all partners within the manufacturing value chain are equally committed to achieving net zero. Continuing to partner with businesses that don’t prioritise sustainability initiatives is an active choice that will have a direct impact on emissions.
The Future of Sustainable Manufacturing
Reducing emissions in line with science-backed targets will help to protect the manufacturing industry. Approaching the challenge holistically will make it easier for manufacturers to achieve net-zero goals. Sustainable manufacturing is essential for driving innovation and efficiency in the industry.
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