Free Western Sydney Manufacturers event in April to consider path to net zero

A free, day-long Western Sydney Manufacturers event will be held at Penrith on April 2, hosted by the NSW Smart Sensing Network (NSSN) and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub.

According to a statement from NSSN on Tuesday, the forum is titled Western Sydney Manufacturers: Building profits on the path to sustainability, and aims to help businesses comply with new rules on mandatory emissions reporting.

The event at Penrith Panthers will be opened by Chair of the Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean (pictured left), who said that Australia can’t afford to lag globally in emissions reductions.

“Fortunately, the tens of thousands of manufacturers based in NSW, many in Western Sydney, can draw confidence of their race-fitness from their impressive track record of innovation,” said Kean. 

“Reducing our carbon footprint is not only good for the environment, it also makes sense for the bottom-line. Producing more from less is what the march of markets has always been about.”

NSSN Net Zero Theme Lead Laura Earl add that decarbonisation, carbon accounting and related issues “don’t need to add a cost burden to local manufacturers” and could be addressed through collaborative efforts that would ultimately save costs.

“Australia is one of the most advanced nations in research and development,” said Earl. 

“Businesses that embrace emerging technologies like sensors, robotics, and AI will be strategically positioned to gain a competitive edge when it comes to securing tenders and contracts.” 

Climate-related financial disclosures came into effect in January for companies meeting two or more of these requirements: $500 million or more turnover, $1 billion or more gross assets, and 500 or more employees. 

The requirements will be phased in over two further tiers, with the third beginning in July 2027 and capturing companies with two of the following: $50 million or more revenues, $25 million or more in gross assets, or 100 or more employees.

More information on the April 2 event can be found here.

Picture: credit NSSN

Further reading

A look at climate reporting obligations for manufacturers

Climate change puts global semiconductor manufacturing at risk. Can the industry cope?

Carbon accounting lab for Adelaide