From Guest Blogger Megan Nichols: Five Industries That Can Benefit From an Increase in Energy Efficiency

Five Industries That Can Benefit From an Increase in Energy EfficiencyAs climate change remains a major issue around the world, businesses from nearly every industry are stepping up to do their part. Such help can come in a variety of forms.

Whether it’s actively reducing your own production waste, streamlining product deliveries or just turning off the factory lights at the end of the day, your business can be used to help stave off climate change in ways you never even imagined. Here’s a look at what various industries can do and are doing.

Manufacturing

Top manufacturers are in a great position to help put an end to climate change. While traditional manufacturing processes were costly, time-consuming and wasteful, the 21st century has brought a torrent of changes to the industry.

According to Taiichi Ohno, the founder of the Toyota Production System, there are seven distinct types of waste that are present in every factory. The seven categories cover deficiencies in:

  • Transportation
  • Inventory
  • Product movement
  • Waiting time
  • Over-processing
  • Over-producing
  • Quality assurance

Although you might not be able to address all of these shortcomings, the simple act of targeting and correcting the issues that are most detrimental to your operation can go a long way.

Small Business

The U.S. Small Business Administration recently stated that the overall number of small business startups is once again surpassing the number of small business closures. This is great news for any budding entrepreneurs or investors, but there’s still a lot that can be done to make these enterprises more energy efficient.

When investing in a property for your business, make sure to look at lots that match the expected size of your operation. Although you might be tempted to go with the biggest office building or factory floor plan possible, this isn’t always the best strategy. Not only will you save money by looking for something smaller, but you’ll also achieve greater energy efficiency over the course of time.

Construction

Like manufacturing, the construction industry has gained a bad reputation over the years. Excessive energy consumption and environmental pollution are just two of the common issues, but they’re pretty serious problems around the world. Thankfully, there are some steps that can be taken to minimize the impact of new construction.

Builders can even extend their greening efforts during the construction of new buildings. The use of energy efficient materials and next-gen technological systems are becoming quite common in residential and commercial construction alike. Radiant heating, which can be installed under the floorboards of a new home or office building, is a great example of how builders are using technology to increase energy efficiency more than ever before.

Agriculture

The agriculture industry has also seen some renewed interest as of late. In fact, consumer interest in organic foods and alternative fuel might even spur the next agricultural revolution. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “around 15 percent of the world’s food is now grown in urban areas.”

In some regions, the number of organic farms has seen explosive growth. Since 1990, Maryland has doubled the number of certified organic farms or those that are exempt from certification because they complete less than $5,000. Numbers like this are making a real case for the future of agriculture around the globe.

Technology

Although technology is at the forefront of many breakthroughs seen in energy efficiency as of late, there are still some shortcomings in the development and production of computer chips and similar hardware. Because the industry requires large amounts of silicon, some of the benefits of green technology are actually offset by the manufacture of the chips, drives and components themselves.

Some of the industry’s biggest names have begun shouldering some of the responsibility by offering recycling or disposal services for your unwanted electronics. In some cases, local and municipal recycling centers are also participating in e-waste management.

Achieving Energy Efficiency Across All Industries

Energy efficiency is an issue that is relevant to every industry and trade. Those who specialize in green technology find themselves in the position to have a significant impact in the fight against climate change. While there’s still a long and winding road ahead, the trip is becoming more efficient every single day.

 

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