Feature

Powering profitability: Why energy efficiency is the new battleground for UK manufacturers

In the relentless race for competitiveness, UK manufacturers are discovering that energy efficiency is no longer a mere tick box for sustainability; it’s fast becoming a decisive lever for profitability, resilience, and market leadership.

03/11/2025 11:55:12

With energy prices swinging unpredictably, environmental regulations tightening and customers demanding greener supply chains, the question facing machine builders, integrators, and end users is not if they should act, but how – and how fast.

The business case for energy efficiency
Energy is one of the largest controllable costs in manufacturing. According to UK Government data, industrial energy consumption remains a major contributor both to operational expenses and carbon emissions. Even modest changes can yield outsized results: reducing a motor’s speed by just 20 percent can halve its energy use, while switching off a 50kW motor for just one hour a day can save over £1,400 annually.

However, the benefits extend far beyond the balance sheet. Energy-efficient operations are more reliable, flexible and attractive to both customers and investors. They also help manufacturers meet net zero targets and demonstrate sustainability leadership, a growing differentiator in the global marketplace.

Read the full article in DPA's November 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.