Last updated on March 21st, 2022 at 09:27 pm
How Can Manufacturers Reduce Their Carbon Footprint
It is a well-known fact that the manufacturing industry is one of the top contributors to global warming and carbon emissions. /of course, it is not possible for the industry to completely eradicate its emissions, but it is also the responsibility of those in the manufacturing sector to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
There are several ways that this can be done, and many of these revolve around the approach that is taken to the equipment that is used. Below, we go into more detail about how manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint.
Use Multi Tasking Equipment
Utilizing multi-tasking equipment is a surefire way to cut down on energy costs and therefore, carbon emissions. These types of machines are able to combine many different processes– such as cutting processes– which otherwise would have been done by many different machines, rather than just one. Using multi-tasking equipment in this way also helps businesses to reduce both setup and manufacturing time significantly, since more processes are being completed in one go.
The reality of having fewer machines operating to complete one project reduces the amount of energy utilized to produce materials or items. This affects manufacturers by reducing the energy costs of the building and its carbon emissions, even saving them money on electrical bills and on multiple machines.
Consider Your Equipment’s Energy Requirements
It is important to be aware of the type of energy your machinery is using. For example, some machinery operates by using fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are some of the largest contributors to pollution and to climate change. Switching to machinery that utilizes sustainable and renewable energy is a great way to reduce a manufacturer’s carbon footprint. It will not only help to reduce the company’s carbon emissions, but it will help to save them money on energy costs.
Depending on what is being manufactured, this can also be very energy-intensive– which is all the more reason to switch to renewable energy. For instance, the production of plastics is known to be reliant on fossil fuels. Manufacturers can take a step in the right direction by taking the time to review the raw materials they are working with and the products that they are producing. They can then further reduce their energy costs and emissions.
Invest In Quality Parts
When it comes to machinery, it may be tempting to opt for more inexpensive parts. However, in order to keep your energy costs and carbon footprint low, you should actually invest in higher-quality parts, even though they may be more expensive. While you may save money upfront by buying cheaper machine parts, it will often end up costing more in the long run. In most cases, the cheaper machine parts are also made with cheaper materials– which makes sense, right?
Unfortunately, this also means that these parts will not have the same longevity that higher-quality parts would have, and you will be forced to replace them more frequently. This then leads to the creation of more waste than is truly necessary. Waste and waste disposal is another factor that has a lasting effect on the environment.
Maintain Your Equipment Properly
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to ensure that all equipment is being maintained properly. This is, of course, one of the most effective ways to preserve the life of your machinery. The most effective way to maintain equipment will depend on the type of equipment itself, but determining this is an easy and straightforward process. It is important that manufacturers set up recurring processes and appointments where technicians can review the machinery, and in between, that they take certain measures themselves.
One of the easiest ways to do so is to keep the equipment clean and free of dirt and debris so that it can work as efficiently as possible. This is something that does not necessarily require a technician’s assistance. Maintaining manufacturing machinery is a surefire way to reduce energy waste during production and to reduce the need for new machine parts.
Field level hazard assessments are also critical in this process. These types of assessments are completed by the job site team before work starts for the day, and they are used to identify issues safety-wise with the site and with the equipment. If there is an issue they can be dealt with in a timely manner saving potential injury, reducing downtime and also reducing your carbon footprint. There are great companies like Know More Hazard that have device-level apps that make the process seamless and instant. No more paper.
Avoid Energy Wasting Leaks
In manufacturing, energy-wasting leaks are one of the biggest issues. When scheduling time to check machinery for general maintenance needs, manufacturers should also schedule time for leak checks. This, of course, allows companies to pinpoint and treat leaks before they turn into a larger issue. Leak prevention is also important– for example, ensuring that you are using the correct type of seal on cylinder parts will help in preventing leaks from occurring in the first place.
A leak can often be found in a compressed air system, where it can waste up to 20%-30% of the output of the compressor. It is important to avoid these sorts of leaks whenever possible, as it is not only going to affect the environment but the bottom line of the business, too. Leaks can waste valuable energy and make the equipment work harder than it has to, which then increases energy usage and energy bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can manufacturing companies reduce their carbon footprint?
There are several directions a manufacturing company can take in order to reduce its carbon footprint! These include properly maintaining their equipment, preventing energy-wasting leaks, investing in high-quality machine parts, and using multi-tasking equipment.
What are 5 ways to reduce your carbon footprint?
Some of the top five ways to reduce your carbon footprint are as follows. Switch to clean and sustainable energy, conserve water, reduce and rethink your method of transportation, eliminate waste as much as possible, and eat more local and seasonal foods.
What reduces your carbon footprint the most?
One of the top ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to look at your energy usage. Look for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as ensure that your building or space is properly sealed. This prevents heat or cool air from escaping, which would cause your heating and cooling system to do unnecessary work and waste energy!