Sustainable Energy
The earth has limited resources. Powering on energy sources such as coal, gas and oil can only go so far. With time, these resources will become depleted and our source of fossil fuels will end. In such circumstances, it is essential to develop a methodology to ensure safe, clean and reusable energy to power our industries (Issues, 2003). Thus, the emphasis of sustainable energy is profound. Fossil fuels will need to be replaced with renewable energy. The concept of thermal energy, nuclear energy, wind energy and tidal energy are new developments in the search for new clean energy.
A new concept that has been emphasis in the past decade is that of clean manufacturing and energy development. Fossil fuels are poison to the earth. The creation of pollution has radically effected the environment in the form of greenhouse effect, and the depletion of the ozone layer. For years, many countries have tried to maintain an ecological friendly policy globally. One of the major enactments of such initiatives was that of the Kyoto Protocol which put limits on carbon emissions. Another such initiative was taken at Copenhagen 2010. However, there is still a lot to be done. The extreme emphasis placed on pollution is due to some underlying facts and effects that pollution creates for the environment. Lead pollution in the air causes a significant drop in intelligence in children by approximately 8 points. This increases as the lead content inhaled increases. At the same time, the diesel that powers most industries, especially the manufacturing industry is a serious pollutant. It was quoted by the Environmental Defense in the United States that inhaling diesel fuels is worse than inhaling all other air toxin together. Diesel contributed to 70 of cancer risk increase in patients across the United States. Thus, the emphasis of sustainable energy cannot be disregarded.
The paper seeks to examine what sustainable energy is. Building upon that, the paper will discuss different sources of energy that are not only renewable but also sustainable and cost effective for manufacturing firms. The focus will be concentrated on manufacturing firms since they are the main sources of pollution. Containing their level of emissions can help the overall environment.
Furthermore, the paper will discuss the various implications that sustainable energy holds for manufacturing oriented industries. How they can use these new methods in generation of power and what other techniques they can use to promote green manufacturing will be examined. By the end of the paper, I hope to conclude that going green by the manufacturing industry will not only yield financial benefits, but also serve their public relation aspects, while of course helping the environment on the whole.
Sustainable energy
To use sustainable energy in our daily lives and specifically manufacturing capabilities, it is important to understand what the term entails exactly. Sustainable energy is often used aggressively to promote ecological awareness and cautiousness, however, most do not see beyond the black and white.
Sustainable energy is made of two main components efficiency and renewable energy. Based on this premise, these two components command the entire dimension of sustainable energy. Thus, it is fair to conclude that sustainable energy is a form of energy that is not only efficient in use and at the same time does not diminish. Meaning, it can be recreated without the use of fossil fuels. The basic argument for this form of energy is in the context of future generations and their rights to energy. Given sustainable energy is not depleted, future generations are not harmed nor are their rights taken away. To quote some examples generally wind power, tidal energy, solar energy and bio-fuels are included in the list of sustainable energy sources.
While defining sustainable energy, it is important to recognize the key differences between sustainable energy, alternate energy, and the most power term in the past decade green energy. Sustainable energy is expected to generate some form of pollution, if any. The premise of the definition lies on the availability and resource depletion of the source. As long as the base minimum of the energy source remains intact, it can be categorized as sustainable energy.
However, since the nature of this topic is broad in nature, it is important to discuss the implications of green energy as well. Because manufacturers globally use green methodology to promote sustainable energy use, it is important to understand that green energy is not very different from sustainable energy. Green energy can be held as the same renewable energy except it generates very little or no pollution to the environment.
Why sustainability
Public attention and media hype has captivated the issue of sustainable energy to a new precedent. The concern of the public to ensure that governments are protecting the environment and companies are not polluting the atmosphere has driven sky high in recent years. Concerns shown from civic and political quarters is based on research linked to the damage energy has done to the environment because of the use of fossil fuels and other pollutants. So far, research has shown that renewable energy (sustainable energy) is clean energy and thus the best form of energy to be used.
The use of sustainable energy and the massive amounts of funding generated to promote this form of energy exploration is definitely based on scientific research. For one, the Earth is littered by nitrogen oxide emissions and science has proved that 13rd of these emissions are generated from power plants using fossil fuels. Augmenting the argument is that of sulfur dioxide emissions of which 23rd are formed by the same power plants in question. Sustainable energy is the way out according to many scientists. Not only does it preserve the environment but also helps in reducing water wastage, carbon emissions and other forms of pollution (noise, sound, air).
The enactment of new laws and the expectations of more future laws dealing with the preservation of the environment are pushing more and more people to invest in cleaner forms of energy. For instance, the Clean Air Act has pushed many industries into hiding due to the costs imposed to control emissions by both factories and the transportation industry. Industries move away from previous sources of energies anticipating costs to rise due to excessive taxing and fines imposed by various governments bent upon going green. To avoid incurring heavy costs and to save themselves from trying to mitigate costs in other areas, most firms and industries simply walk away from their previous habits and move towards energy that is more socially and legally compliant sustainable energy.
With the world threatened by global warming, flooding and extreme climatic changes, governments have begun to take action. This started with the pact in Geneva in 1994, when 134 nations agreed to set binding restrictions on the emissions of gasses that trap heat inside the air. Namely CFCs. This was further augmented through the Kyoto protocol which made the discussions legally binding in 1997. Now, most recently the Copenhagen Summit 2010 has taken more environmental friendly laws and legislation to the global community hoping to stretch efforts towards sustainable energy and a healthier Earth. All these factors have prompted industries applying unclean techniques for their production processes. Knowing that someday or the other they will have to face the music, they have begun the transition already to save future costs. With costs being aligned to carbon emissions, manufacturers have a choice. They can either choose to maintain gas energy which produces half the amount of carbon emissions as does coal, or they can shift to renewable energy which brings the carbon emissions to zero. Being profiteers, they are obviously choosing the later.
Type of sustainable energy
With the advent of sustainable energy, alternate sources have often been used depending on the circumstance and type of use. For the use of this paper, it is important to understand the types of sustainable energy in use to understand the concept itself.
The manufacturing industry can employ a lot of these tactics based on the various situations that they face and the cost structures of their organizations. Also, their energy needs vary and the various forms of sustainable energy vary in terms of cost, space allocation and energy specification.
Therefore, an understanding of sustainable energy forms is important for the development and usage of reusable energy by the manufacturing sector.
Geothermal power
Geothermal power plants use the Earths own heating system to power turbines and other electricity generating machinery. The power plants are reusable because the direct source of energy is the earth itself and thus renewable and pollutant free. Because of the abundant thermal energy present in the earth itself, these plants can be run effectively and efficiently for long hours, often days and nights at a time. However, the reason why this form of energy is not very useful to the manufacturing industry is because of the locality restrictions. Such thermal points are not present everywhere and thus thermal power plants require the source to be present. Without the thermal energy point, thermal power plants cannot be built, thus placing a restriction on manufacturers to use that as an energy source.
Solar energy
Using solar cells, the suns energy is tapped and used to generate electricity. The suns heat and energy is observed and eventually processed into electricity. This process and pure and pollutant free, thus making it one of the most effective reusable energies of today (Smith, 2008). Because the source of energy is never ending, at least not for the next billion years, this form of energy is currently the most researched and invested upon form of energy in global energy economics.
Though solar cells can be used to power certain parts of factories, they are not fully effective. Because the technology is still in its development stages, most of the energy from the sun is lost as heat during processing. Thus making this form of energy not very efficient and expensive to use. A lot of manufacturers have tried using this technology to power certain aspects of their business. Homes use solar energy to power swimming pool and other energy requirements. However, even so, this is not the core source of energy in use today.
Wind Energy
When basing the charts of energy use across the globe, wind energy is used only 1. However, some nations have actually accepted it as a major contributor to their national grids. For instance, Denmark currently has 20 of its energy generated by wind turbines.
Wind energy uses the power of the wind to propel large turbines which in turn power dynamos, generating power. Though the power quantity is sufficient, these wind turbines are bulky, require large amounts of space and are generally expensive to set up. However, once they are set up, they are a good source of long term sustainable energy.
Bio-fuels
Many countries such as Brazil are using organic compounds to power their countries. Brazil currently uses a ethanol fuel made from sugar cane. Organic in nature, this fuel source is clean and pollutant free. It is also cheaper though requires heavy processing.
This is possible one aspect of sustainable energy that can benefit manufacturers the most. Not only is it practically implementable but is also cost effective. At the same time, it is more convenient for manufacturers to power their interests through the use of ethanol fuel which is flexible and adaptable to business or factory environments.
Ocean energy
Finally, one of the most recent ventures of scientists in the search of alternative energy is that of tidal energy. Waves are used to move dynamos. These dynamos, powered under turbines are used to generate and process energy which is later added to the grid. Another form of ocean energy is the use of hydroelectric power plants. Though a different concept using the flow of moving rivers, tidal and hydro electricity have made front lines when it comes to sustainable, efficient and effective form of energy.
However, the energy encompasses huge costs. To develop hydro plants and tidal wave farms requires a lot of money and investment. At the same time, they are restricted by location as are wind energy farms. Thus, for manufacturers it often becomes difficult to employ these energy sources.
Implementing sustainable energy
We must realize that when we talk about the manufacturing sector and industries, they cannot be expected to develop these expensive forms of energies on their own. These are mass projects and require mass funding and support by governments. The question really is on how the government can increase usage of these forms of energies rather than the cheaper and more easier way out fossil fuels. The governments of various nations must enforce directives and give direction to the fundamental development of such sustainable energies. The manufacturing sector is powered through the grid and will obviously use the energy provided. They can then learn from the implementation and develop, invest and promote such activities on their own. In the end, the key lies in the hands of policy makers who decide the composition of the electricity grid and not manufacturers alone.
Implications on the manufacturing industry
Even though we do not expect manufacturers and the industry to incorporate such forms of fuel in their energy requirements, we do expect them to learn the lessons of sustainable energy. The essence is in the understanding of the concept of sustainable energy which is to provide a better atmosphere, environment and save the earth from any further resource depletion.
Manufacturing firms can learn from the development of reusable energies towards developing other strategies which are smaller in nature, but perform the same concept using energy in a way that is renewable and efficient.
The essence of the argument that I plan to make through this portion of the paper relates to what implications sustainable energy has for manufacturing industry. No doubt, the development of such technology will not come into their direct play until years from now. But the start towards the basic concept of sustainable energy has already begun with citizens demanding more environmentally conscious products and manufacturers. Eco friendly citizens have begun questioning firms who question the environment both through their dollars and their hearts and manufacturing firms must realize this as soon as possible.
Firms must go back to the basics of their production schedules. The first step entails a thorough analysis of their product life cycles so that they can go green. They need to study each stage of product development that they have and follow the principle of reusability of all their products from the beginning. Now, the concept of sustainable energy is preserving existing energy. Thus, firms with such mentality would benefit by developing products that can either be recycled or can simply be added upon through attachment rather than developing a new product all together. This is sustainable energy since long term planning has aided in the preservation of energy and saving more accumulation of pollution.
Second, firms should develop products that can be broken down into parts. Items that are made in this nature preserve extra energy. One, the product made can be disassembled and used elsewhere. This saves energy someone else would have spent. Second, it saves the company from developing product specific machinery. Third, when parts of products cooperate or are aligned with other products, this makes the entire production line more streamlined and efficient, saving on energy and pollution.
Finally, firms must develop products that can be used alongside other products. For one, this will help increase the products time of good use. Second, it will also help manufacturers be more efficient in their production techniques. The best part about following this philosophy for manufacturers would be that it would allow them to use parts returned, damaged or used from a previous product. This in turn would save their extra energy consumption helping them to become green and sustainable manufacturers.
The underlying point that becomes important for manufacturers to consider is that they must shift towards lean manufacturing to be sustainable. Energy does not necessarily have to be created in a sustainable way it can be consumed in a sustainable way as well. Therefore, the focus of manufacturers should now be on developing processes, and being innovative in a way that helps them become sustainable manufacturers. The basic fundamentals of being sustainable in production processes are by applying energy consumption saving techniques. Compared to a few years ago, it has become even simpler for firms to do this as governments and politicians spiral around to provide funds, assistance and rebates for those manufacturers going green. The emphasis has become so hyped in recent years that certain quarters of various governments have begun promoting the creation of Green collar jobs in the manufacturing sector.
Without doubt, manufacturers will be worried with the rising cost of implementing new technology that promotes sustainability. But they must also realize that if they do not incorporate those technologies today, tomorrow their costs of business will be fundamentally higher, as in the case of the Clean Air Act. Manufacturers are currently being pulled from both ways the public is pushing for environmental reforms whereas the manufacturers are trying to keep their costs low to make sure they do not have to lay off employees. However, with the recent developments and change in attitude of society towards the environment, manufacturers are going to have to learn quickly that they will eventually have to go green. They should not be afraid of the repercussions because going green and sustainable eventually pays off in the long run. Production becomes more streamlined, tax incentives allow costs to be kept lower and finally, research and development aspects can be applied in other areas of the business. All in all, the possibilities for manufacturers using sustainable energy to power their industries are endless.
Going green for manufacturers
Having discussed sustainable energy and its implications on the manufacturing oriented industry, the question really boils down to how manufacturers can actually go green. With pressure mounting from Congress, White House and environmental lobbyist, manufacturers are under immense pressure to radically reshape their processes and supply chains to promote sustainability in their industry. Even so, most supply chain managers and development officers are reluctant to go green because of the costs associated with it. They were a concern a decade ago and are still the primary reason firms do not go green.
Today, trends are changing. Most managers would align practicality with the essence of what is best for survival, then profitability. If in between they could encompass sustainable technology and processes, fair enough. If they could not, it would not matter. However, the trend now is changing. One reason for that is that managers are quickly realizing that long term survival and profitability will come from being sustainable and going green.
Reducing the corporate footprint
Everybody living leaves a footprint on the environment. Often referred to as the carbon footprint, man leaves his mark on society, the environment and the future with his or her actions. Similarly, corporations, with their enormous scale and business processes also leave their mark on the environment, sometimes for good sometimes for bad.
It is often considered that an organization promoting more performance and developing techniques to cut costs will generally end up being sustainable too. This is through the premise that when companies cut costs, they try to cut down on transport, fuel costs, efficiency in manufacturing and consumption and so forth. Following these lines alone help sustainability and the environment together.
This is an idea firms should understand. They should favor developing processes that are environmentally friendly. The first step comes from reducing their footprint on the environment. The less damage they are doing to the environment, the more sustainable they will become.
Infrastructure redefined
Research has shown that infrastructure can actually add to 70 to 80 of supply chain costs (Dornfield, 2010). Thus, this massive opportunity should be addressed by manufacturers. The emphasis manufacturing firms should place are on their supply chain networks which include fundamentals such as (Dornfield, 2010)
Manufacturing capabilities
Raw material sourcing
Transportation lanes
Distribution facilities and final delivery
To enhance optimal efficiency, it is important for firms to pay attention to the above mentioned factors. Streamlining them can often be the different between a cost efficient and sustainable organization from one that leaves a massive carbon footprint on the environment. Though most companies follow standard protocols and make sure they have environmental statements in hand regarding the impact on environment with their processes, few firms actually implement decisions in favor of the environment.
What most firms forget is that restructuring their infrastructure can have long lasting and positive effects on the environment and their business productivity. For instance, restructuring supply chain networks to minimize transportation consumption and decrease mileage saves costs and emissions at the same time. Similarly, consolidation of manufacturing sites and distribution centers in eventuality help firms become more efficient utilization of production processes. This in turn reduces costs and also the footprint left by corporations on the environment. Even the reassessment of raw materials and their sourcing can benefit organizations. Those firms emphasizing raw material sourcing that is efficient and choose alternate suppliers actually benefit from strengthening their status of reusability of products. At the same time, they in actually decrease the usage of non-renewable energy and eventually reduce costs.
Manufacturing
After the supply chain and infrastructure has been readjusted to a point where the objectives are both in line with the environment and the firms profitability, the next option for manufacturers to consider is their manufacturing processes.
The first aspect that must be considered is that of scheduling. This point requires heavy coordination amongst manufacturers, their suppliers and other industries. Using coordination with energy suppliers, manufacturers can use energy intensive operations during non-peak hours, saving energy. By operating in harmony with each other, scheduling allows cost reduced energy savings for all those involved in the integration.
Second, most firms are now reassessing the variables that initially determined the design of a brown plant (pollution intensive) and that of a green plant (environmentally friendly). Varying differences between the two have highlighted new dimensions in the search for sustainable energy. Firms going towards green plants are realizing that though initial capital expenditures are higher, their general profitability and cost margins are significantly lower. Manufacturing firms should come to realize this and start developing greener plants which take into account effects of manufacturing on the environment.
Finally, production scheduling is very important to firms wanting to go green. Using new green technology, firms are able to recreate their production schedules in a way that throughput is increased at their current operational facilities. This in turn increases operational flexibilities and efficiencies, while at the same time requiring less capital intensive expansion(Winkler, 2008). By doing more, firms are actually hurting the environment less.
Transportation and distribution
This aspect of manufacturing processes is perhaps one of the most significant factors underlined in environmental preservation. This is because this is one factor that can reduce costs and be environmentally friendly at the same time very easily. The simple fact can be highlighted by the idea that the less the company uses on travel, the lower the expenses incurred to it. At the same time, carbon emissions are lower and thus also help the environment.
The basics of the technique involves territory layout and planed investments in fleets that are used by manufacturers. When planned routes, flexible timings and smaller delivery patterns are used, a firm can effectively save up on the costs incurred to it during the course of business. At the same time, the pollution caused by emissions is drastically reduced using a framework of this form.
Streamlining delivery times and scheduling can also have beneficial effects for a manufacturing organization. For one, cutting down on idle time of delivery truckscars, and minimizing time lost during delivery, firms can not only save the environment but also make their processes more efficient. This aspect also involves the use of using different methods of transport. Choosing mass transport such as rail over truck and shipping over air are often critical decisions in this part of the firm strategy. Firms must consider how they plan to distribute and should shift heavy volumes to distribution sites to streamline their activities. They also need to do stringent analysis on transportation lines and develop transportation channels that are most efficient, and use the best form of transport both for the environment and the company.
Every supply chain process has to deal with returned goods, packaging and in some industries, even containers. The question boils down to the efficient handling of these resources. Firms accepting these reusable items are already in part playing their role with recycling. However, defining reverse logistical features to the supply chain, firms can recycle more efficiently and therefore save costs and the environment together.
All in all, manufacturers need to concentrate on ratios and balances they will use in alternative future strategies that they place for their firm. No doubt the underlying objective is saving the environment and reducing costs at the same time, manufacturers need to understand the broader picture and take into account macroeconomic and macro-sustainability factors. By collaborating data that deals with operational costs and comparing them with the environmental impact data of the organization, firms can shoot two birds with the same arrow. By example, firms are able to reduce up to 17 of their corporate footprint while also decreasing their delivering costs and supply chain costs by 2 million dollars
LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Another fundamental system of measurement that manufacturers can apply is that of getting LEED certification. This is a certification that measures firms, particularly manufacturers, on their standard of sustainability. This form of certification helps manufacturers in two ways.
It helps them develop green processes since the LEED certification gives them guidance and direction towards being sustainable manufacturers
It certifies and promotes their green initiatives and develops a measure for their steps towards sustainability.
The basics of the LEED certification involve the promotion of sustainable building deigns and construction methodologies which can help increase profitability while also providing towards the benefit of the environment. These benefits are generally help to be those which benefit occupant health and wellbeing of the environment on the whole.
One of the basics of LEED certification is that it is designed, administered and accredited by third part commissions. Therefore, it becomes valuable evidence for manufacturers to not only take pride in their own achievements and gain direction towards further sustainability, but also acts as a point of proof to show clients, consumers and the public at large for public relation aspects. Though this would seem minute in nature, the truth of the matter is that LEED certification allows manufacturers to gain further tax rebates, economic incentives and government attention in their projects due to their efforts towards sustainability. This in turn reduces their costs further in light of tax rebates and economic incentives.
The system itself is designed in a four tier system. With certifications ranging from
Certified
Silver
Gold
Platinum
The certification is done through a process in which a few variables are considered beforehand. These variables include water efficiency, sustainable building sites, energy and atmosphere, material sourcing and indoor environmental quality. When firms are forced to focus on these aspects, they automatically become more accustomed to sustainability and thus go further in their decision to go green.
Being internationally recognized, the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) undertakes the entire procedural aspects of LEED certification. The Council gives directives to manufacturing firms on how to be more efficient in their manufacturing processes, prove their environmental standing both indoors and outdoors, redefine their infrastructural capabilities and in eventually, lower carbon emissions, conserve water, energy and efficiency.
Advantages
Firms enjoying LEED certification are in eventuality actually increasing their productive efficiency. The first aspect that occurs due to LEED certification is that operational costs are lowered for the firm in question. At the same time, their value of infrastructure increases in light of new legislation and laws favoring environment friendly designs.
Second, the waste reduction that takes place due to improved processes actually benefit firms as well. Not only does the cost of incurring waste is decreased, landfills which are used to store waste are effectively less filled.
LEED certification allows firms to take advantage of many government incentives promoting green living and sustainable manufacturing (Yudelson, 2007). For one, tax rebates, economic incentives and zoning allowances are some of the many encouragement methods offered by governments for companies with LEED certification.
All in all, the environment benefits when a firm is more efficient in dealing with water resources, raw materials and energy. Carbon emissions are reduced alongside the greenhouse effect which has destroyed our climate to a considerable degree.
How firms can achieve LEED certification
For many firms, a LEED certification in this time and age can become crucial for business processes. However, many do not know how to obtain the certification in question and the processes required for the accreditation.
For one, firms have to focus on being energy conscious. They must be motivated to reduce their footprint on the environment and based on their capabilities, aim for one of the accreditation systems employed by the LEED certification. Thus, they must plan accordingly to encompass all requirements of that particular stage of accreditation.
Second, a budget must be planned and implemented that takes into account the levels of investment required to get LEED certification. Since the certification requires restructuring of certain business processes and equipment, it is likely that a firm will have to bare some costs and should keep that in mind and perspective before trying to the accreditation.
In situations like these, it is important that firms employ third party LEED certified professionals who can design systems and processes that meet the requirement of getting this certification. Outsourcing this process to someone who is a professional will save time and money. It will also ensure the best possible results for firms wanting to gain this certification.
Business benefits of sustainable energy
Studies by researchers have shown that 40 of greenhouse gases emitted in the United States are from firms operating in the built environment, specifically those of the manufacturing industry. Therefore, emphasis on this point is highlighted by sustainable energy. This research was conducted by the Pew Center for Global Climate Change.
When firms focus on sustainable energy they can reduce costs significantly. Research has shown that the style buildings are constructed through contribute to 10-15 of carbon emitted in annual operations. Thus, emphasis on lighting, heating and cooling procedures can help firms save up on not only energy but also costs associated with it.
With surging land costs, firms who are more economical and efficient in dealing with land resourcing can save high amounts of costs in this area as well. For one, poorly planned growth and infrastructural development not only harmed the environment but also increased costs to manufacturers. Thus, by efficiently deciding and planning infrastructural developments, firm can reap high benefits in the form of lower costs.
Research conducted by Davis Langdon in 2007 came to a conclusion that the difference of costs between manufacturing companies incorporating green sustainable structures and those that were not was insignificant in terms of costs. This research was based upon the analysis of over 200 buildings incorporating sustainable energy and those not given it the same emphasis. Thus, it has come to dawn on manufacturers that going green might not be as expensive as portrayed by certain quarters of the industry. In fact, it can be done within the constraints of the already designed budgets by manufacturing firms.
Firms that promote industrial changes to their supply chains have regional and local impact on society, the environment and their own costs. By incorporating green sustainable energy into their supply chain networks, manufacturing firms are able to reduce the number of hours their vehicles are on the road. This benefits society in the form of less traffic congestion, environment through lower pollution and saves the company from incurring higher costs due to fuel costs.
New concepts being developed by legislations and governments are promoting the use of green energy. This means that the external environment is rapidly changing. More sustainable designs are being offered tax rebates, economic incentives and zoning opportunities for business processes. This has given an incentive for more manufactures to favor ecological friendly practices while maintaining profitability. Often, in certain circumstances, the need to develop sustainable energy becomes forced upon manufacturers who have to implement new design processes to be operational in a business environment. In such cases, most manufacturers would benefit from upgrading which not only costs lesser than new construction but also makes them sustainable. A onetime high cost is better than incremental long run costs.
Another example that can be given to put things in a different perspective is that which was reported by Orange County. According to the study, employees increase productivity by 20 in greener environments which are also healthier alternatives. With other measures in place, this productivity increase can be taken to 30. Companies increasing worker productivity can save up on costs, and essentially pay the rent of housing employees for free. They earn more profits and produce better and more efficiently.
Conclusion
Firms must focus on sustainable energy to retain their profitability in the future. Various techniques have been identified in the paper earlier and can be further augment by further arguments such as the use of incorporating nature into business environments, using water efficient methods and developing simple techniques such as green roofs.
Incorporating nature into buildings through the use of locating near parks, water beds or even simply trees can have an effect on the entire firm. Using effective methods, firms can actually save up on lighting using strategically placed windows, or those near trees. Not only the lighting costs will decrease but air purification costs will not be incurred.
Similarly, green roofs can be used to increase cooling effects in the summer and insulation for the winter. This would decrease energy costs extremely well as the cost incurred to create artificial environments such as the ones mentioned above would not be needed. They would also eat up on carbon emissions, be a natural sound protecting barrier, and reduce smog and temperature side by side.
All in all, firms have to face the option of sustainable designing in the near future. Developing techniques in favor of the environment while keeping their costs in mind will help streamline their processes. The emphasis placed on sustainable energy cannot be over emphasized. In this day and age, it is absolutely essential to ensure the safeguarding of the environment.
Global pollution has threatened the very existence of man itself. For one, biological effects are so devastating that unless firms start paying attention to sustainable energy, the possibilities of human devastation is inevitable. The worlds global food source, vegetation, animal life but human life itself is at risk because of pollution. World health has also been put at stake with the ever rising pollution. More and more people are suffering from decreasing vegetation, soul contamination, loss of livestock and water resources. These fundamentals have spearheaded the movement of climatic awareness.
The priority man has fixed to the environment currently is disgraceful. The cost of financing one nuclear warhead test could help develop water resources for 80, 000 hand pumps Because of pollution, one day in Cairo is like smoking 20 cigarettes a day because you are taking in far more pollution than an average environmental setting. In Massachusetts, because of the pollution created by diesel emissions, people have over 9,000 asthma attacks, 450 premature deaths and an annual rate of the population of 60,000 lost working days.
Manufacturing sectors are in part to blame for such massive degradation of the environment. For one, they are responsible for 38,200 heart attacks in the United States on an annual basis, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Thus, the need to act is now. Manufacturing firms must concentrate on going green to provide a better future for the human race. They should not worry about the costs associated because going green will actually help them streamline their own business. The paper sought to create an underlying conclusion that going green was in the benefit of the manufacturing industry and the environment on the whole. Given the techniques, processes and implications mentioned above, going green for manufacturers should be taken as a positive step, even if in the name of profitability.
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