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Carried out by Professional Engineering in association with Engenera Renewables Group, the survey of 895 engineering professionals found that 38% of businesses are looking at reducing their carbon footprint within the next year. 36.3% aim for reductions within three years.
While the large number of firms considering renewable energy is a positive step in the fight against climate change and a shift towards ‘net zero’, more than two-thirds (68.4%) of respondents said they were unaware of the funding options available to their companies. Options include asset finance loans or power purchase agreements, in which third parties fully fund the purchase and installation of systems such as solar photovoltaics.
Renewable energy is of interest to more than three-quarters of engineering firms, with 59.2% having considered its implementation and 19% interested in exploring it as an option. 21.8% said their business had not considered renewable energy.
The automotive, power and energy, and aerospace sectors are leading the way on reducing their carbon footprints, with 83.5%, 78.8% and 77.6% respectively planning to reduce their carbon footprint either in the next year or the next three years.
The aerospace sector is also leading the pack on adoption of energy management strategies, with almost two-thirds (61.9%) reporting one in place and a further 15.9% saying their companies are reviewing their strategy. Automotive was second, with 56.7% reporting an energy management strategy in place, followed by power and energy on 54%.
Of the people surveyed, 36.5% said their company had adopted renewable energy. Almost 60% said their business had considered it, but cost (15.1%), disruptive installation (6.2%) and maintenance (2.1%) put off some of those that did. Cost of adopting renewable energy was particularly off-putting for the manufacturing sector, with 21.3% saying it was the main reason for not going ahead.
The percentage of businesses that have previously considered renewable energy are roughly similar across all sectors, but power and energy predictably led the pack on 68.2%.
“It is important to recognise exactly where we are at in the UK with regards to energy, carbon and overall strategy,” said Lloyd Lawson, director of business development at Engenera Renewables. “Government legislation on environmental responsibility and carbon reduction is an ever-changing landscape and is the responsibility of business owners and senior management.
“Having already utilised LED Lighting, and employed the services of energy procurement specialists and assessors, what is the next organic step for companies?
“It is our belief that every business in the UK, large or small, will have to embrace some form of renewable technology within the next five to seven years. Not all companies or organisations have the capital or want the responsibility of such systems – this is where companies like Engenera can help.”
To attend a webinar discussing the findings in more detail, please register here.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.