A free forum in Western Sydney aims to assist manufacturers and businesses in understanding new carbon emission reporting requirements and exploring opportunities for sustainability.
Hosted by the NSW Smart Sensing Network and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, the event will take place in Penrith on 2 April and will feature insights from industry leaders and government representatives.
The forum comes as Australia’s manufacturing sector faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions in line with the nation’s net-zero target by 2050, the NSW organisation said in a news release.
Large businesses are now required to report their emissions, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) servicing them must also comply with these regulations.
Matt Kean, chair of the Climate Change Authority, will open the event, highlighting the role of innovation in sustainability efforts.
“Australia can’t afford to be a laggard in the global race to cut carbon emissions,” Kean said. “Fortunately, the tens of thousands of manufacturers based in NSW, many in Western Sydney, can draw confidence from their impressive track record of innovation. Reducing our carbon footprint is not only good for the environment, but it also makes economic sense.”
NSW Smart Sensing Network Net Zero Theme Lead Laura Earl emphasised that sustainability efforts can provide economic benefits.
“By prioritising these goals through collaborative efforts, we can unlock the benefits of lower energy costs, reduced waste, enhanced production efficiency, and optimised use of resources, ultimately driving down costs,” Earl said.
Emerging technologies such as sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) are being considered as tools to help businesses remain competitive.
“Businesses that embrace these technologies will be better positioned to secure tenders and contracts,” Earl added.
Frank Zeichner, CEO of IoT Alliance Australia, noted the role of technology in carbon accounting.
“Mandatory reporting of net zero obligations, sustainability finance, and market forces are driving the need for better sustainability data, which are key to future digital passports and the connected supply chain,” Zeichner said.
“Manufacturers can take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen their operations.”
The NSW Government has been supporting businesses in the transition to net zero, according to Andrew Bedrossian, Manager of Renewable Manufacturing in the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Bedrossian cited initiatives such as the University of Wollongong’s Clean Energy Living Laboratory, which will be Australia’s first mixed-use, precinct-based microgrid.
“Microgrids are small sections of the electricity grid that can generate and store locally produced renewable energy such as solar power,” Bedrossian said.
“This microgrid technology will help communities and precincts become more energy efficient and self-sustainable.”
Manufacturers are also encouraged to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives into their business strategies.
Hannah Welch, Sustainability Marketing Strategist at Chovil & Thake, said ESG-driven marketing can help businesses differentiate themselves.
“By strategically integrating ESG into their marketing and communications, manufacturers can highlight their innovation, responsibility, and long-term value,” Welch said.
“Demonstrating this positive impact—supported by ESG metrics—can help businesses stand out in contract negotiations.”
NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub CEO, Scientia Professor Deo Prasad, noted that the forum will highlight emerging technologies and collaborative opportunities.
“The key focus of this event is emerging technologies that businesses can adopt and bring to market,” Prasad said. “There are significant opportunities for collaboration with research, industry, and government.”
The Western Sydney Manufacturers Forum: Building Profits on the Path to Sustainability will take place at Penrith Panthers on 2 April.
Interested participants can register for the event online.
