A new study by Mobilityways has shown that the UK engineering and construction sector is making slower progress on decarbonisation than both healthcare and financial services sectors
The study has found that large UK-based engineering and construction sectors fall behind similarly-sized businesses in healthcare and the financial services sectors in terms of meeting net zero and carbon neutrality goals.
The study found that the engineering sector falls behind in setting a date for achieving carbon neutrality
57% of engineering firms had set a date for carbon neutrality, whereas in both the healthcare and financial services sectors, 61% of firms have set a carbon neutrality target date.
Less than half of large engineering firms had established ‘some or all short and medium term milestones to help achieve Net Zero’, whereas 65% of the financial services sector had published their Net Zero roadmaps.
The UK engineering sector is falling behind in adopting GHG emissions data collection and reporting
Large engineering firms are lagging in the implementation of Scope 1 and 2 direct emissions reporting, with only 50%, compared to the healthcare sector’s 62%.
Moreover, the engineering sector is trailing in Scope 3 indirect emissions reporting in supply chains, with only 54% engaged, in contrast to 71% in healthcare and financial services.
Notably, the study reveals deficiencies in specific emission category levels, such as measuring GHG emissions from employee commutes, where only 41% of engineering firms have developed a method.
Despite industry efforts in renewable energy and eco-friendly practices, challenges persist, particularly in concrete production, a significant emitter responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions.
The study emphasises the need for the engineering sector to address reporting gaps and adopt sustainable practices to meet carbon reduction targets.
