The business case for sustainability is not always a simple thing to articulate, but in this article featuring one of the amazing SWR network members, Enviro-Stewards, it is clear that but taking a holistic and step wise approach, the manufacturing sector can reap the benefits of taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.
This article from Manufacturing Automation highlights a number of case studies highlighting how looking across silos in the manufacturing processes and facilities create efficiencies, saving money by reducing energy load. In fact, the article says it best –
“as manufacturers face growing global competition a dramatically reduced carbon footprint might become merely a by-product of a relentless war against waste.”
The case studies look at how following the waste generated by an operation is often the path to finding the energy, process, and facility issues that will increase profitability. The idea is that reducing waste (any waste) in the manufacturing process is the first step. Next, all resources used in the manufacturing process must be used as efficiently as possible, generating more profit for the resources consumed. Only after this is done, and the waste load is reduced and efficiencies created, can the next step be taken, to find clean. efficient inputs into the process.
Examples in the article include reducing waste heat, energy, water, even wine! All generating more revenue through higher yields and reduced operating costs.
Take the time to read this article if you are thinking about efficiency and productivity, and working to tie together the economic and environmental benefits to your business.
“When you do a good energy project you get direct and indirect energy saving, you get improved reliability of equipment, and you get better safety, air quality, and productivity.”
Who could argue with that?