Third Feasibity Call:  Abu-Bakar

Circular Economy in Electrical Machines Manufacture 

The emergence of the circular economy (CE) is heralding a transformative phase across sectors, especially within the UK's Electrical Machines Manufacture. Recognising the significance of sustainable manufacturing is crucial, underscoring a move towards designs that optimise resource use and mitigate waste, especially e-waste, constituting a significant proportion of global transitional priority areas. Drawing from data and over 700 multi-level roadmaps and strategies around the world, several priority areas stand out. Firstly, sustainable manufacturing highlights the need for designs that use resources wisely. Next, focusing on sustainable energy systems emphasises the need for energy-smart machines. The prominence of Electronics & Electricals in the top global tiers further signifies the importance of addressing lifecycle management in this sector.

In tandem with these priorities, Dr Abu-Bakar’s membership in the BSI Steering Group for the BSI PAS 7770, focusing on energy-using consumer products, reinforces the commitment to environmental standards. Selected by the British Standards Institution to represent the CE hub, Halid contributed to formulating standards for household electrical appliance lifecycles. The BSI PAS 7770 provides a robust framework for assessing environmental performance across a product's entire lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life considerations. It prescribes requirements for environmental performance evaluation of various consumer products, emphasising resource efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and end-of-life management. It also stresses potential product functionality and safety challenges, especially when integrating recycled materials or replacing parts.

The collective insights gained from my involvement with the BSI and the global CE priorities can underpin a more holistic approach for the Electrical Machines Manufacture sector, marrying efficiency with sustainability.

Aim: To comprehensively assess the opportunities and challenges posed by the Circular Economy (CE) within the Electrical Machines Manufacture sector, ensuring resource efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with global CE benchmarks and the BSI PAS 7770 framework.