Eco-friendly manufacturing is important both for preserving natural resources and for maintaining sustainable business practices Believe it or not, you can actually save your company a lot of money this way, both from potential tax benefits and from the sustainability itself. Products are produced from renewable materials and waste is lowered by reusing, recycling and remanufacturing, meaning that you get the most out of your manufacturing material. Being energy efficient, especially, can save your company money by saving energy costs. However, change can be scary to consider when you already have your business practices set and in use. Most businesses never make plans to go green due to how the process seems. Instead of trying to change everything at once, therefore, here are a few ways you can step by step, little by little, become more green in your manufacturing.
Energy Analysis
As previously mentioned, implementing energy-efficient processes instantly cuts costs for your company. Carry out an energy audit to determine where enhancements can take place, whether it means upgrading an out of date wiring system or replacing old machinery for newer and more efficient models. Replace incandescent bulbs using CFL fixtures and replace filters in the HVAC system. Use weather stripping and caulking to increase the effectiveness of your building’s insulation, saving costs and energy in cooling and heating. You can also make use of programmable thermostats to lower energy waste and conserve resources. Landscaping can even be brought into the mix by putting up trees around the building. The shade and shelter they provide from the elements can significantly reduce your cooling costs and break up the wind during the colder months.
Renewable Power
Renewable power is energy produced from sources that are naturally replenished like wind, sunlight, tides, biomass, rain and geothermal heat. While you may not be able to set up your own energy mill for your business, buying through renewable power companies will give you the same benefits. Most states provide incentives and tax breaks for those who buy through companies like these, and if you put up solar panels, you may even be able to generate some of your own free energy in conjunction. If you do have the means to create an energy plant by sustainable sources, you may earn compensation for the energy generated and given back to society. Green energy can also be purchased at rates that are a bit higher than conventional fossil fuels.
Reduction in Waste
Manufacturing always utilizes raw materials, but not every part of all raw materials are required. Certain businesses will just need one or more portions of raw materials and the rest can often end up in landfills as waste. Such raw material that’s discarded could damage the environment. However, it’s becoming easier and even cheaper to buy from and sell to scrap metal services and timber recycling companies. Put leftovers to good use, properly dispose of them or eliminate them out of the manufacturing process through-and-through.
Propane vs Natural Gas
In any manufacturing industry, it’s common to require the use of a combustion engine or furnace at some point. Should that be the case, you can actually be more energy efficient by using propane rather than natural gas. The production of propane generates much less pollution and waste than natural gas, and on top of that, it is more energy efficient. In order to get the same results, you would have to use more natural gas than propane, meaning that you would save resources and money by using propane. Even a small step like this can have great benefits for the environment, and is an easy place to start if you’re having trouble implementing other eco-friendly practices.
There are many ways to make your company greener in manufacturing, reaping benefits for both your company and for the environment. Doing so saves you money and also gives your company a more solid base upon sustainable practices. Don’t be afraid of change, and your company will withstand the test of time.