The built environment is among the highest emitting industries in the world, responsible for 40 percent of global CO2 emissions.
Yet, at the same time, manufacturers—and insulated metal panel (IMP) manufacturers in particular—have a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in their environmental footprint to drive energy and carbon out of both their business operations and supply chain.
While manufacturing energy efficient products is an effective way to make a difference, IMP manufacturers can make the biggest sustainability impact before these products are even installed, by taking part in sustainable practices onsite at their manufacturing plants.
Here is how renewable onsite operations are helping IMP manufacturers deliver sustainable results.
Onsite sustainability solutions
IMP manufacturers are striving for zero waste to landfill, but such an ambitious goal requires getting creative with waste products. Manufacturers are no longer looking at waste as a nuisance, but as an asset.
For example, manufacturers are using foam cutter machines to separate steel from foam which helps to recycle steel while also repurposing the foam to be used in packaging.
Recycling is often seen as the end goal when sustainability is concerned, but it is a band aid on the complete solution. There is only so many times one can recycle materials, and the carbon that goes along with them before they break down. Yes, it is better to send materials to be recycled opposed to a landfill. However, this should be the last part of the equation because waste has so much potential value to IMP manufacturers that can be used before sending it off to landfill.
Another important aspect of onsite renewable energy is currently focused on electrification and driving natural gas out of the business. IMP manufacturers have started on a journey to use more renewable energy in their day-to-day operations. In addition to onsite electric forklifts, laminators (that typically consume a lot of energy) are now being powered by 100 percent renewable energy to preserve resources.
When it comes to solar energy, manufacturers have been working on installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roofs of their facilities. Now they are also working on using sustainable practices to introduce natural daylight inside the building to increase occupant comfort and reduce energy usage during daytime operations.
PV arrays and daylight solutions are not the only systems IMP manufacturers are deploying. Geothermal systems are being incorporated into facilities as well. These systems are aimed at lowering energy consumption and regulating ambient temperatures, showing it is possible to gain comfort for occupants while taking steps to be friendlier to the natural environment.
have a unique opportunity to make a significant difference.
Employee-driven efforts
As IMP manufacturers continue to enhance their energy efficiency efforts, one of the most important elements is instilling a culture of accountability and integrity throughout the organization. Employees can take pride in helping move the needle toward sustainability.
For example, manufacturers can take a close look at their operations to see exactly where in the plant their waste is coming from, incentivizing employees to recycle. By seeing exactly what part of the plant generates the most waste, bins and garbage cans can be moved to strategic areas to help collect the waste. Typically, employees want to recycle waste and
repurpose materials, so the plant must make it convenient for them to do so. It is not always easy to recycle if it requires a five-minute walk, opposed to being right next to the workstation.
Initiatives like this are making sustainability top of mind, kick-starting a culture of sustainability throughout an organization. Employee safety is echoed throughout plants on signage and verbal reminders. Sustainability efforts can follow a similar model. Once employees begin to connect the dots between the efforts they are making and their effect, an increased effort will be noticed. Does an employee understand the effect of placing a piece of metal or foam into the right bin? If so, this will likely continue to drive their sustainability efforts.
The more sustainability becomes a part of the company culture, prospective like-minded candidates will be drawn to an organization. Employees want to work at companies that are serious about sustainability and making a difference. Hiring managers at IMP manufacturers are even being asked questions about their sustainability programs from job seekers looking to work for mission-driven organizations.
Many manufacturers are committed to the planet and making a positive impact on future generations, starting with using renewable energy. One example, a 10-year-plan to be directly powered by 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, achieving zero waste and increase material efficiency in the process.
Maggie Sexton is All Weather Insulated Panels’ sustainability manager. All Weather Insulated Panels is an innovator in the design, construction and advancement of foam composite insulated metal panels and has three continuous line manufacturing facilities across the United States.