Obscure Technologies, Splunk jointly using power of data to reduce carbon footprint in manufacturing

May 2, 2022

3 min read

reducing carbon emissions — Reducing carbon emissions using data

Obscure Technologies – In collaboration with its strategic partner Splunk, Obscure Technologies is exploring innovative ways to harness the power of data analytics to meet the pressing challenge of carbon emission reductions in the manufacturing sector. By combining technological expertise with actionable insights, the partnership is empowering industries to align with global climate goals and drive sustainability initiatives.

The Urgency of Carbon Reduction in Manufacturing

The United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) emphasized the critical need for nations to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with interim targets for 2030. For the manufacturing sector, which accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, these mandates are particularly urgent:

In the United States, manufacturing contributes nearly 23% of direct carbon emissions.
In Europe, manufacturing is the third-largest emitter, responsible for 22% of total CO2 emissions, or 880 million tonnes annually.
South Africa is the 12th-largest source of greenhouse gases globally, with manufacturing playing a significant role.

As public scrutiny intensifies and environmental regulations grow stricter, manufacturers face mounting pressure to embrace sustainable practices. The shift toward data-driven decision-making offers a practical path to achieving these goals.

François van Hirtum, CTO at Obscure Technologies.

Leveraging Data to Build Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

Splunk’s “data to everything” platform equips manufacturers with tools to monitor, analyze, and optimize their environmental impact. By integrating advanced data analytics into manufacturing operations, businesses can gain real-time visibility into their carbon footprint, enabling informed decisions to drive sustainability.

“Splunk’s new sustainability toolkit is designed to provide organizations with the visibility they need to track their carbon footprint and create meaningful sustainability scorecards,” explains Paul Ruinaard, Regional Sales Director South Africa at Splunk. “This empowers businesses to investigate, detect, and resolve inefficiencies, ultimately enabling more environmentally responsible operations.”

The Role of Digitalization in Reducing Carbon Emissions

Digital transformation holds immense potential for reducing global carbon emissions. According to the World Economic Forum, digital technologies could contribute to a 15% reduction in emissions through applications in energy, manufacturing, logistics, buildings, and transportation.

Through its partnership with Splunk, Obscure Technologies is helping South African manufacturers leverage these digital tools to:

Improve Operational Efficiency:
- Data-driven insights provide enhanced visibility into energy use and emissions, enabling businesses to optimize processes and reduce waste.
Achieve Decarbonization Goals:
- Splunk’s analytics tools empower organizations to correlate data from multiple sources, delivering actionable intelligence to meet decarbonization targets.
Enable Better Decision-Making:
- By creating a clear picture of their carbon footprint, manufacturers can make strategic adjustments to align with sustainability objectives.

“Digitalization has the highest potential to contribute to CO2 reduction, and through our collaboration with Splunk, we are bringing these capabilities to South African industries,” says Francois van Hirtum, Chief Technology Officer at Obscure Technologies.

Key Applications of Splunk and Obscure Technologies’ Solutions

The partnership is driving meaningful impact across several areas:

1. Environmentally-Friendly Manufacturing

By correlating data from complex production environments, manufacturers can save energy and reduce their environmental impact. Obscure Technologies and Splunk offer tailored solutions to address inefficiencies in industrial processes.

2. Efficient Logistics

Splunk is pioneering advancements in automobile and aircraft manufacturing, enhancing logistics efficiencies and introducing innovative technologies that minimize resource use and emissions.

3. Improved Building and Energy Management

Large property operators can leverage data insights to optimize workforce efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and create more sustainable operations.

4. Optimized Renewable Energy Production

In South Africa, the combination of Obscure Technologies and Splunk is driving innovation in the renewable energy sector, ensuring assets perform optimally to maximize output and minimize downtime.

A Call to Action for Sustainable Manufacturing

The time to act is now. With investors, customers, and regulatory bodies demanding greater accountability, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. By adopting data-driven strategies, manufacturers can not only meet regulatory requirements but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.

“Our partnership with Splunk represents a powerful step forward for South African manufacturers,” van Hirtum concludes. “Together, we are equipping industries with the tools they need to drive sustainability, enhance efficiency, and make a measurable impact in the fight against climate change.”