A KEIGHLEY engineering firm is part of a major district-wide decarbonisation project.

Clamps producer Teconnex – based in Chesham Street – is a partner in the initiative, which aims to help manufacturing companies move towards net zero.

The Bradford Manufacturing Futures venture, headed up by the district council, has appointed consultancy Arup to work with partners on producing a 'decarbonisation master plan'.

Surveys will aim to identify energy efficiency opportunities and possibilities for alternative power sources.

The £1m-plus project has received Local Industrial Decarbonisation funding of £726,729 from Innovate UK.

A spokesperson says: "This project will identify opportunities for decarbonisation across the Bradford district in some of the highest- emitting sectors – such as chemicals, food, basic metals, mineral products and metal fabrication, which produce 52 per cent of the district’s CO2 emissions.

"Manufacturing, core to Bradford-district's success over centuries, faces existential energy cost and decarbonisation challenges. The sector is diverse, with 1,220 businesses."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, says: "We're excited to be leading this groundbreaking project with partners from industry; it will provide a district-wide roadmap for decarbonisation, an investment prospectus for the district and shared learning across manufacturers.

"Tackling climate change is important to Bradford, and reaching net zero targets by 2038 will only be achieved if all organisations in the district are working together, building a sustainable and prosperous economy that works in the interests of everyone to minimise waste and the use of finite natural resources."

Catherine Darby-Roberts, advanced manufacturing and energy leader with Arup, says: "It’s exciting to join the Bradford Manufacturing Futures programme and work with project partners to deliver a decarbonisation roadmap for the district.

"This project is significant as it is led by manufacturing companies and the public sector, working together and recognising that clustering and a system-led approach will support wider regional decarbonisation.

"The roadmap will be impactful for major manufacturers, support individual companies to hit their net zero goals and incubate the growth of smaller businesses to engage and benefit from local investment. We’re pleased to collaborate with Bradford Council and wider partners to consider the district challenges, develop investable propositions and help secure a sustainable future for manufacturing."

The Bradford Manufacturing Futures project will run until the end of the year.