Dubbed the Manufacturer Decarbonization Strategy Playbook, this resource is intended to turn rising corporate climate ambitions into structured, practical actions at the facility level.
Manufacturers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face mounting operational pressures, questions around profitability, and uncertainty about how to start. These challenges are intensifying as brands and retailers in the consumer goods sector place greater emphasis on climate commitments and emissions performance in their sourcing.
Manufacturers are central to translating industry commitments into measurable outcomes.
The playbook offers guidance based on research and expertise from Bureau Veritas specialists across major manufacturing regions.
It presents a “structured and pragmatic way” for manufacturers to begin decarbonisation at the facility level, with a focus on cost control, operational performance, and meeting buyer expectations.
The playbook sets out a step-by-step process tailored to manufacturers’ operational circumstances, beginning with developing internal skills, improving insight into energy use and emissions, and progressing to implementing reduction measures and ongoing improvements.
According to BVCPS, this structure offers facilities a practical and achievable course of action, no matter their current stage.
Key steps for manufacturers to follow:
- Assess how climate initiatives contribute to competitiveness, cost management, and operational outcomes.
- Ensure leadership and employees work together so climate-related actions are integrated throughout the organisation.
- Collect essential data and selecting appropriate methods for setting emissions targets, such as Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), or customised strategies.
- Apply practical methods at the facility level to boost energy efficiency and utilise renewable energy sources.
- Introduce a step-by-step process that transitions facilities from understanding to action, with guidance on accessing green finance.
The playbook also incorporates tools such as evaluation matrix and prioritisation models to support facility-level decision-making.
It also includes a decision tree tool to assist manufacturers in selecting appropriate next steps according to their level of preparedness and operational circumstances.
BVCPS decarbonisation team said: “Our industry is entering a stage where meaningful climate progress depends on what happens inside factories—and acceleration is required.
“This playbook empowers manufacturers, including SMEs, to take their next steps with strategies and practical tools that support action at the facility level, transforming climate commitments into measurable, achievable, and cost-effective business results.”
