Green-Lean-Clean: A Profitable Combination

By Andy Rose, Manufacturing-Works

In a recent meeting with entrepreneurs that are planning a large capitol investment in a new manufacturing facility, a certain statement caught my attention.  In discussing the business venture we covered facility layout, processing equipment, infrastructure, lean concepts, supply inputs, energy use, byproducts, and waste. Then, one of the owners mentioned they wanted to have a minimum or zero “carbon footprint.”  What does that mean, having a “zero carbon footprint”? In laypersons terms, it means reducing or offsetting carbon dioxide (CO2) from your activities, primarily energy consumption. You can read about and even calculate your personal carbon footprint at www.carbonfootprint.com.

In today’s manufacturing climate we are seeing more and more interest in this concept and as related to sustainability  -- reducing emissions, reducing waste, and conserving energy. What we have discovered is that what makes good environmental sense, in nearly all cases makes good economic sense.  We often discover that processing wastes that are initially viewed as a liability (expense) for the business can become an asset, even generating income! Say what, now! That’s right, money in the bank. Our environmental specialist and myself, an agricultural engineer, look for ways to value-add or find a market for manufacturing wastes. In a resource-based state of minerals, forest, and ag products there are particular opportunities to turn losses into gains. Sometimes this requires a certain amount of sleuthing about, and persistence, but eventually we reach fruition.

For example, can we find a use for wood waste and sawdust that is burned creating smoke and ash, through additional processing? Is there a use for sugar beet pulp of higher value then animal feed? Can the methane gas from animal manure be used to generate electricity, converting waste into profit? In the oilfields, sour gas processing produces waste sulfur, which can be used in fertilizers and in battery production. What about packaging materials from vendor deliveries (wood, steel banding, cardboard)? How about leftover mill ends, slag, chemicals, plastics? Energy conservation measures or use of renewable energy can also reduce operating costs for a business – and the publicity “mileage” is an important marketing tool; telling the world they are good stewards.

Please learn more about Manufacturing-Works at our web site www.manufacturingworks.com or contact Field Engineer Andy Rose at 307-754-4832, or email arose@wir.net. 

Comments

[carmen]

I talk about "lean and green" on "Green is not a color" (http://notacolor.blogspot.com). The lean and environment toolkit by EPA is available for download.