Eco-friendly manufacturing practices, once only custom for a small number of corporations on the fringe, have slowly become an integral part of the production industry. More and more millennials enter the consumer marketplace each year, and their priorities are different than those found in any other generation. They're willing to wait longer for eco-friendly products and, on the whole, care more deeply than previous generations about resource sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.
Eco-friendly manufacturing principles, like the "Made in America" tag, have become hot-button issues in the production industry. Locally-sourced materials, green production techniques and a reduced overall carbon footprint are just three of the factors consumers typically consider when they decide whether to purchase an item. In fact, according to a recent global study by Walden University, 81 percent of adults prioritize eco-friendly companies' products when they make purchasing decisions.
Many ingredients go into the eco-friendly manufacturing gumbo. A significant part of the recipe revolves around transportation, and more specifically, eco-friendly transportation methods. When companies choose to ship raw materials or finished products via truck, for example, they spend over 13 times as much as they would on equivalent rail transportation. At the same time, a truck use over 12 times more energy than a train over an equal distance. To make things easier and cheaper for your company in the long run, you could consider moving closer to a rail hub.
If you want to get ahead of the curve, you can obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for your factory. Essentially, a LEED-certified building incorporates green building technologies and creates as little impact on the environment as possible once it is operational. LEED-compliant building might use solar power for some of its energy needs, for example, or increase its water efficiency. Some LEED buildings are made of eco-friendly construction materials and incorporate LED lighting and natural lighting to decrease overall energy usage.
To get LEED certified, you can either construct a completely new building or work with the premises you already have. Recently, the U.S. government made LEED certification much easier to obtain. As an additional bonus, you may qualify for generous federal and state rewards if you follow LEED guidelines. For more information on LEED, you can contact the U.S. Green Building Council.
Rather than a fringe fad, eco-friendly manufacturing is now a mainstream issue. As a manufacturer, you are inevitably bound by consumer preferences, whether those consumers are stores or individuals. To take full advantage of eco-friendly manufacturing techniques in the long term, you could move your premises closer to a major rail hub. You could also build a new factory or refurbish your existing location to meet LEED guidelines. Whatever your circumstances, go green and win.
Image courtesy of Digitalart at Freedigitalphotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!