Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Asfa Rasheed
As the ecological crisis our planet is currently facing becomes more critical, many governments around the globe are passing new laws and regulations aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting the environment, leading industries to adopt eco-friendliness into their business models. But apart from compliance with new regulations, these sustainable practices can be quite beneficial for businesses as well, by lowering costs, improving operational efficiency, and attracting a more modern, environmentally-conscious audience. To that end, here are some ways industry leaders might be able to reduce waste and energy consumption in an effort to improve their business practices:
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Utilizing the right equipment
Regardless of the industry you’re in, specialized equipment is necessary for optimal performance. But before choosing the most affordable tools, machines, and other equipment in an effort to save money, it pays to do thorough research and only select the most suitable solutions to your specific wants and needs.
More often than not, investing in durable, well-made, high-quality equipment is the wisest option. Even though it might cost more upfront, quality equipment that is made to last will improve operational efficiency and cut down on servicing requirements. Not only will this solution be more cost-effective over time, but it will also help to reduce energy consumption, as well as the amount of waste created through repairs and replacements.
Maintaining assets regularly
On the same note, quality equipment needs to be regularly maintained in order to ensure optimal efficiency. While regular wear and tear is expected, a lack of maintenance can cause quite serious and expensive issues in the future. Besides being more costly, faulty equipment can use more energy, create waste through necessary replacements and repairs, and even present a workplace safety hazard.
To that end, it’s always advised to select equipment suppliers that offer regular upkeep and servicing as well, or even hire specialized staff that has enough expertise and talent to handle regular maintenance in-house.
Properly disposing of chemical waste
Appropriately disposing of waste that causes contamination is not only a moral but a legal requirement for companies as well. However, there are also chemicals like hydrogen sulfide that aren’t considered to be contaminants, but could still lead to undesirable consequences such as staining, discoloration, tarnishing, and unpleasant odors.
If your industry tends to produce such chemicals as well, it would be wise to choose efficient hydrogen sulfide removal solutions to ensure the concentration of this chemical is as low as possible. Apart from helping to reduce your overall waste, these solutions will also prevent you from contaminating the water and soil, thus leading to a cleaner and safer environment.
Investing in passive energy conservation
When considering ways to reduce energy consumption, most of us think of active conservation methods, such as utilizing energy-efficient machinery and other helpful tools and equipment in an effort to minimize consumption. But passive energy conservation is the first aspect every industry should think about.
This primarily means using good insulation materials that help to regulate the temperature of your property by naturally keeping the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Such passive efforts will minimize the need for overuse of HVAC and other energy-wasting systems, setting the ideal foundation for the more active conservation efforts.
Opting for new, smart technologies
Once the time comes for active energy conservation, smart devices should be your top priority. Apart from aiding in automation and delivering better customer experiences, new technologies can also be quite helpful when it comes to reducing energy consumption and waste in most industries.
For instance, something as simple as motion-activated lighting and smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy use in your facility, and can be optimized to your needs to deliver the best results.
Similarly, timers and sensors can be programmed to close doors or turn off machines, appliances, and other electronics when they’re not in use, helping to further minimize energy consumption. And if these smart gadgets are integrated into IoT-enabled devices as well, you might even be able to monitor your use more closely and make better long-term decisions regarding energy consumption.
Reducing and recycling electronic waste
As technology rapidly advances, industries are quick to shift to new and more sophisticated electronics, often getting rid of the old alternatives they no longer have any use for. And while the newest technologies might be beneficial for business, such a high device turnover leads to enormous amounts of electronic waste that has a detrimental environmental impact on a global scale.
For this reason, one of the best waste-reducing tips industry leaders can follow is to use their electronics for as long as possible, only replacing them when it’s truly necessary. When it’s time for a change, it’s important to recycle electronic waste in an effort to reduce the negative impacts on the environment.
No matter the industry, energy conservation and proper waste management should be top priorities for business leaders worldwide. Apart from positively contributing to the environment, these efforts will also ensure legal compliance and even attract more eco-friendly consumers.
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