June 2019

For a minute, let’s challenge the idea that for business to do anything positive on environmental sustainability, regulation is the answer. In our latest report, Manufacturing: stepping up to the sustainability challenge, we found that manufacturers of all types and sizes are making inroads into sustainable business practice, not just because of regulation but for a variety of reasons. Cost saving is clearly a major benefit, with nearly 80% of respondents to our survey stating that this was the main driver for making an environmentally positive change to their business. On the other hand, we learned that others are going much further, by implementing onsite renewable power generation and emerging technologies such as demand side response. Some manufacturers are also looking further afield to their wider supply chains. The question is really therefore, why are businesses like these, who are not always household names, going beyond regulatory compliance. The answer is as ever complex and varied but there are three main factors I think we can draw out of the report - the big three if you like: Firstly, cost saving is a really big driver. Particularly where those savings can be quantified and where they are obvious at an early stage. Secondly, customer demand. This is crucial to why businesses are doing more than the bare minimum on the environment. Significantly, standards such as ISO14001 are playing a role in securing future business. Nearly 40% of our survey respondents said they had achieved such a standard and many customers are demanding this standard be in place. Third, long term business sustainability. The impact of climate change hasn’t gone unnoticed by manufacturers or investors. Increasingly, a healthy business is one that is environmentally sustainable and more than just conscious of the impact of climate change. Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that more work is required. Of those who said they were doing more than their peers, it is arguably typical that those businesses had a deep rooted culture of environmental responsibility. This can often manifest itself in a “boardroom to shop-floor” approach. In other words, environmental responsibility is driven from the top. By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment News June 2019 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 0 9 The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Mark Ranger, business line manager, Oil-Free Air at Atlas Copco as its new Vice President. Mark will join Jason Morgan, BCAS President in ensuring the Society continues to evolve to meet the needs of its members and compressed air end-users, with a particular focus on providing quality training and development. A BCAS Board member for the past two years and chair of the Compressor Committee for over six years, and has 35 years experience within the compressed air industry, working for both distribution and manufacturer organisations. Commenting on the new appointment, Mark Ranger commented: “An important part of BCAS’ role is to ensure that standards are upheld and to promote the safe and efficient use of compressed air and vacuum products and systems. “I will therefore be supporting Jason to further enhance our training and development offer, for both our members and industry users, particularly in the areas of legislation and standards. “The Society already offers a wealth of training on important regulations such as the Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations (PSSR) and competent examiner courses, supported by impartial advice on areas including compressed air efficiency, air treatment and air quality best practice to name a few. “I look forward to working with the Board to ensure that BCAS continues to act as an important source of impartial information to the industry as a whole, including our own members and end-users. Vanda Jones, executive director for BCAS added: “Mark has already played a vital role as a Board member for the past two years. I am delighted to welcome him to his new position and look forward to working closely with him. “At this time of Brexit uncertainty, the Society plays an even more important role in helping advise both members and end-users on legislation. We have an active input into proposed UK and European legislation and standards, which means we can help customers to understand their obligations and be compliant, however large or small their operation. Mark’s extensive industry experience will help us to shape the Society for the future and to support our members further still.” Mark will transition to the position of BCAS President in November 2020 at the annual BCAS ball, following Jason Morgan’s two-year term in the role. For further information about the British Compressed Air Society, please visit: www.bcas.org.uk. BCAS appoints new Vice President