Sustainability

Nowadays, the manufacturing industry prioritizes sustainability and resiliency due to growing concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and demand for eco-friendly products. This has led companies to implement more environmentally friendly practices to ensure long-term viability.

This article will explore the numerous facets of sustainability and resilience, such as risk mitigation, temperature control, and system operation. It will also discuss HARBEC’s initiatives toward a more sustainable future.

What Is Sustainable Manufacturing?

Sustainable manufacturing is the production of goods and services in a manner that causes the least harm to the environment. It also incorporates economic and social sustainability by preserving natural resources and reducing the production process’s carbon footprint. Moreover, it considers the full life cycle of a product in order to create them without affecting future generations’ production abilities.

Here are other benefits of maintaining sustainability in the manufacturing industry:

• Enhanced stakeholder engagement
• Improved brand reputation
• Increased efficiency and cost savings
• Minimized waste and emissions
• Reduced risk of legal or financial penalties
• Reduced dependence on finite resources

Sustainable Risk Mitigation

Sustainable risk mitigation reduces threats associated with environmental and social repercussions while encouraging operational sustainability. For instance, a company may analyze its supply chain to identify partners who do not employ eco-friendly procedures. Then, they can collaborate with these suppliers to improve their practices.

Another strategy is the engagement with stakeholders — employees, consumers, and communities — to grasp their viewpoints and address their concerns. It can aid a company in identifying potential social risks before mitigating them. It can also help them foster stronger relationships with those involved.

Temperature Control and Regulations

Sustainable temperature control and regulation maintain desirable temperatures in an energy- and environmentally-efficient manner. It involves using technologies, practices, and processes that minimize the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems. It also ensures the effective operation of manufacturing equipment and the comfort of workers and customers.

The following are some tips for sustainable temperature control and regulation:

• Implement energy-efficient technologies like insulation, shading, and ventilation. (The greenest energy is the energy you don’t use (avoidance) also known as  the NEGAwatt).
• Use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
• Utilize thermal storage.
• Conduct regular maintenance in the manufacturing facility.
• Use programmable thermostats.
• Consider using alternative cooling and heating methods.

HARBEC’s Efforts Toward Sustainability and Resiliency

For over 20 years, HARBEC has taken a proactive approach to sustainability in manufacturing. We acknowledge our responsibility for the resources we consume, the products we produce, and our impact on the community. Furthermore, we adopt an “inside the gate” perspective to exert stronger environmental and social control.

At HARBEC, we consistently adhere to a “leave no footprint” principle and strive to reduce our byproduct wastes. We also use resources as efficiently as possible to support the three-shift operation of our climate-controlled 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Besides that, we established four areas that comprise our sustainability values:

• Resource Management: This area involves our effective and efficient utilization of financial, human, and material resources.
• Environmental Stewardship: This area comprises our certification and continuous improvement targets, emphasizing ecological aims.
• Energy Stewardship: This area entails adopting energy management strategies and partnerships with the Better Plants initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy. It also encompasses our certification to ISO 50001/SEP and business achievement of carbon neutrality.
• Innovation and Product Support: This area involves our commitment to supporting others in achieving their sustainable product objectives.

HARBEC: Your Trusted Partner for Sustainable Manufacturing

At HARBEC, we provide custom solutions with exceptional service and professionalism! Our culture prioritizes the welfare of our customers, employees, and the global community through our innovative and cost-effective products and services. We are also certified in ISO 13485 and 9001, ensuring quality and sustainability in everything we do.

Contact us today to connect with our team or request a quote for your upcoming project!