The report canvassed the views of 600 board directors, senior management and energy managers from UK manufacturers operating across all major sectors, including food & beverage organisations.
Most food & beverage manufacturers (77%) now view energy as a business critical issue and nearly two thirds (64%) plan to increase their investment in energy management during the next 12 months.
The primary driver behind such activities is to achieve a competitive advantage, with the majority of manufacturers measuring the success of an energy management project against this criterion.
When compared to other manufacturing sectors, food & beverage leads the way in terms of having energy management goals in place for the next five years.
Assessed alongside sectors such as chemicals & pharmaceuticals, aerospace, glass & solar, automotive and metals, food & beverage manufacturers fared less well when it came to board level involvement, investment in renewable and self-generation initiatives and a reluctance to view energy management on a par with other strategic decisions.
When questioned about perceived barriers to investing in energy management, food & beverage manufacturers were most concerned about uncertainty associated with a return on investment.
Most businesses (74%) had clear energy management objectives in place for the year ahead, with 61% also indicated they had planned for the next five years.
“It is most welcome to witness the progress the food & beverage manufacturing sector is making,” said Steve Barker, head of energy efficiency and environmental care at Siemens Industry. “Our findings indicate that the sector has, compared to others, a lower executive currency, but nonetheless is seeing an increasing focus on energy and cost reduction. Progress in terms of instigating long-term strategic planning is to be applauded, but the real reward for food & beverage businesses is evidenced in the bottom line, and the 70% who say it has improved as a result of energy management measures.
“Some are still struggling to recognise the benefits of a strategic approach to energy management, but often the perceived barriers to investment can be easily overcome with the right information and flexible financial support from companies like Siemens now readily available.
“There are already many manufacturers taking action in this crucial area, and together with expert technology partners, they can help to inspire and educate those who say they have ‘other priorities’ over and above energy management.
“For the industrial sector, and the food & beverage sector in particular, the challenges around managing energy consumption will only intensify in the years to come, and doing nothing isn’t an option for businesses that want to thrive.”
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