We all know that sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have; it is now a driver of competitiveness, efficiency, and resilience. Many manufacturers have already made impressive commitments, installing energy-efficient equipment, reducing waste, exploring low-carbon materials, and using digital tools to optimise production.
But here’s the challenge: good intentions don’t always translate into lasting results.
Far too often, businesses invest in new technology or initiatives, only to find that staff revert to old behaviours, the benefits are short-lived, or the promised savings simply don’t materialise.
This is where implementation science can make all the difference, helping manufacturers close the gap between “what we planned” and “what we achieved.”
What is implementation science?
Implementation science is the study of how to embed change successfully in complex, real-world environments. Originally developed in healthcare, it has been applied in fields ranging from education to public policy, and now it’s gaining attention in manufacturing.
It recognises that the success of any new system or process depends on:
- People: Will employees use it correctly and consistently?
- Culture: Does the business encourage adoption or resist it?
- Context: Are there barriers in workflows, schedules, or resources?
By taking these factors into account, implementation science provides practical frameworks to:
- Turn sustainability strategies into day-to-day reality.
- Understand why some initiatives succeed and others stall.
- Scale what works and stop wasting time and money on what doesn’t.
For manufacturers, it is the missing link between installing a solution and still using it effectively 12 months later.
A real-world example: Compressed air
Consider compressed air systems, one of the most energy-intensive aspects of manufacturing. Many SMEs have installed variable speed drive (VSD) compressors and automated leak detection systems, expecting energy savings of up to 50%.
Yet in many cases, the results fall short. Why?
- Operators override systems they don’t trust or understand.
- Engineers weren’t consulted before purchase and feel no ownership.
- No one monitors whether energy use has actually fallen.
- The savings are invisible — and therefore not motivating.
This is not a technology problem. It’s an implementation problem.
Using implementation science principles, the same upgrade could include:
- Co-design workshops with engineers and operators.
- A named facilitator to support early adoption.
- Visible dashboards showing real-time energy savings.
- Clear accountability for delivering and sustaining results.
These small but critical steps can turn a one-off investment into a sustained efficiency gain.
Why it matters to manufacturers
Close the knowing–doing gap: Most manufactures already know what they could do to improve sustainability; from LED lighting to heat recovery. The real challenge is making sure those improvements stick.
Boost ROI on sustainability investments: Implementation science ensures every pound spent on carbon reduction tech, training, or process changes delivers a measurable return.
Engage the workforce: Sustainability is a people challenge as much as a technical one. Using co-design, facilitation, and visible feedback builds buy-in and pride on the shop floor.
Make change stick: Without structured evaluation and refinement, many sustainability efforts fade within months. Implementation science uses iterative learning and feedback loops to keep progress on track.
A practical implementation toolkit
Here’s a simple six-step process that any manufacturer can start using straight away:
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
| 1. Define your goal | Clarify what you want to achieve (e.g. 20 % energy savings from compressed air). | Focuses efforts and avoids confusion. |
| 2. Engage your team early | Involve operators and engineers in design. | Builds ownership and uncovers real barriers. |
| 3. Map your context | Identify workflow, culture, and logistical challenges. | Ensures solutions fit your environment. |
| 4. Facilitate the change | Assign a champion to support and track progress. | Maintains momentum and solves early issues. |
| 5. Measure & communicate | Use dashboards and feedback to show results. | Keeps teams motivated and aligned. |
| 6. Complete the ESV Certification | Capture your contributions via the short survey. | Builds a recognised credential aligned with procurement priorities. |
| 7. Promote your impact | Use the certificate and ESV Pack in bids, on LinkedIn, on your website, or on the shop floor. | Differentiates your business to buyers and communities. |
| 8. Review & renew | Reflect, adapt, and reapply when the certificate nears expiry. | Keeps your credentials fresh and aligned with evolving strategies. |
A five-stage roadmap for embedding sustainability
To go further, manufacturers can adopt a structured roadmap based on implementation science:
- Diagnose & Prioritise: Assess your current performance, map emissions, identify key risks, and pick two or three high-impact focus areas.
- Design & Plan: Set SMART goals, assign responsibility, and align with customer and supply chain expectations.
- Implement & Embed: Start with quick wins, train staff, and integrate sustainability into procurement, design, and production.
- Evaluate & Adapt: Monitor KPIs, conduct review sessions, and adjust based on what’s working and what isn’t.
- Scale & Influence: Share results with customers, apply for certifications such as the Made in Britain ESV, and collaborate across your supply chain.
The benefits of doing it right
Getting implementation right can deliver:
- Lower costs and higher efficiency: through energy savings, waste reduction, and better use of resources.
- New revenue and market opportunities: through green procurement, premium pricing, and loyal customers.
- Innovation: with circular business models and greener product development.
- Talent retention: by creating a purpose-driven workplace that attracts younger, values-led employees.
- Resilience and risk reduction: against carbon pricing, regulation, and supply chain disruption.
- Access to finance: including ESG-linked loans and grants for sustainable investment.
Start small — But start now
You don’t need to be a large corporation with a dedicated sustainability team to apply these principles. Even small actions like involving operators in energy-saving pilots or putting recycling performance data on the shop floor can create momentum.
The key is to start, measure, learn, and adapt.
Implementation science gives manufacturers a proven playbook to turn sustainability from a side project into a core driver of growth, efficiency, and competitiveness.
By focusing not just on what to do, but how to do it, and do it well, you can transform good intentions into measurable, lasting results.
Professor Chris Harrop OBE is visiting professor in sustainable business at the University of Huddersfield Business School.
By Made in Britain 1 day ago | By Made in Britain