7 Tips for Identifying and Evaluating Environmental Aspects According to ISO 14001

7 Tips for Identifying and Evaluating Environmental Aspects According to ISO 14001

EMS
Do you know that identifying and evaluating environmental aspects is crucial for implementing an effective environmental management system? If you want to learn how to do it, you've come to the right place! Get ready for 7 exciting tips to help you in this task. 1. Gather your team Don't go it alone! Involve your entire team in the process of identifying and evaluating environmental aspects. Utilise diverse perspectives that can contribute to a more comprehensive picture. Remember, a stronger team will make this process easier and more satisfying. 2. Pay attention to details The devil is in the details, and we don't want the devil to trip us up! Carefully analyse all the processes, products, and services in your organisation. Identify which aspects may impact the environment. Focus on…
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Case Study: Enhancing Cooling Efficiency for Sustainable Operations at IBM Vermont Plant

Case Study: Enhancing Cooling Efficiency for Sustainable Operations at IBM Vermont Plant

EMS
IBM, a renowned technology company, has implemented innovative measures to maximise cooling efficiency at one of their plants. With an installed capacity of 26 MW, the plant utilises an advanced cooling system that incorporates electrical chillers, water, and pumps to remove heat from the building loop. This case study explores IBM's best environmental management practices and their positive impact on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Case Study: IBM Best Environmental Management Practice IBM's cooling system at the Vermont plant incorporates a wet free cooling concept alongside electrical chillers. When ambient temperatures are suitable for cooling, the chillers are automatically shut down, reducing energy consumption. By utilising favourable ambient conditions, IBM minimises the reliance on electrical chillers, resulting in significant energy savings. Environmental Aspects Affected The implementation of wet free cooling…
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Case Study: Maximising Energy Efficiency in Cleanrooms

Case Study: Maximising Energy Efficiency in Cleanrooms

EMS
Motorola has successfully achieved energy savings by implementing enhanced management practices in their cleanroom facilities. By optimising temperature and humidity control and revising cleanliness requirements, Motorola was able to reduce energy consumption while upholding necessary operational standards. This case study explores Motorola's best environmental management practices and their positive impact on energy efficiency. Case Study: Motorola Best Environmental Management Practice Motorola implemented a series of measures to enhance energy efficiency in their cleanroom, including a revision of cleanliness requirements. Motorola achieved significant energy savings. These savings were primarily attributed to the improved control of temperature and humidity levels within the cleanroom. Unnecessary dehumidification of incoming air was avoided when the outside air already met the cleanroom's humidity set point. Environmental Aspects Affected The implementation of enhanced management practices in Motorola's…
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Case Study: Transforming CO₂ Emission Reduction in Paint Booths through Innovative Techniques

Case Study: Transforming CO₂ Emission Reduction in Paint Booths through Innovative Techniques

EMS
As the automotive industry continues its journey towards environmental sustainability, Mazda has taken proactive measures to reduce CO₂ emissions in their paint booth operations. Through the development of an advanced monitoring system and a shift from oil-based to water-based paints, Mazda has successfully achieved a 15% reduction in CO₂ emissions. Case Study: Mazda Motor Corporation Best Environmental Management Practice Mazda has pioneered a ground-breaking system that continuously monitors the maximum water vapour absorption volume, allowing for precise adjustments to temperature and humidity levels within the paint booth. This optimisation of factors enables Mazda to minimise energy consumption while efficiently removing water from the paint. Consequently, there is no longer a need for temperature fluctuations during the drying process, a departure from the conventional system where temperature is raised to 80°C…
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Case Study: Pioneering Sustainable Building Deconstruction with Innovative Joining Techniques

Case Study: Pioneering Sustainable Building Deconstruction with Innovative Joining Techniques

EMS
Within the realm of sustainable construction practices, the efficient deconstruction of buildings and maximising reusability is of utmost importance. ConXtech, a pioneering company based in the US, recognised the limitations posed by traditional bolted structural elements when it came to deconstruction. ConXtech embarked on a journey of co-design and open innovation to develop a novel joining technique that would revolutionise the deconstruction process. Case Study: ConXtech Best Environmental Management Practice Conventional deconstruction methods often result in a loss of reusability due to the economic challenges associated with economically disassembling bolted joints between metal components, such as I-beams. To address this issue, ConXtech engaged in collaborative efforts with building and assembly experts, leveraging their in-depth knowledge and expertise. This collaborative approach allowed ConXtech to develop a unique joining technique that would…
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Case Study: Revolutionising Waste Treatment for Environmental Sustainability

Case Study: Revolutionising Waste Treatment for Environmental Sustainability

EMS
In the pursuit of a more sustainable waste management approach, DENSO Manufacturing (UK) set out to find an environmentally friendly solution for their waste treatment. As a manufacturer of air-conditioning units for the automotive industry, DENSO recognised the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and minimising transportation requirements. Through their collaboration with the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), DENSO achieved remarkable results in optimising their waste disposal methods. Case Study: DENSO Manufacturing Best Environmental Management Practice DENSO had already established a sustainable disposal route for their waste filter cake, a byproduct of their manufacturing process. However, they sought an alternative option that would yield greater environmental benefits while minimising transportation needs. To address this challenge, DENSO actively participated in NISP's 'Resource Matching' workshops, seeking inspiration and guidance from industry experts.…
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Case Study: Remanufacturing: Extending the Service Life of Bearings for Environmental and Economic Benefits

Case Study: Remanufacturing: Extending the Service Life of Bearings for Environmental and Economic Benefits

Eco-friendly aerospace, EMS
The service life of bearings often falls short of the calculated lifetime due to various application conditions, including contamination and metal-to-metal contact. Wear, rust, indentations, and microcracks are common damages that significantly reduce their lifespan. However, there is a solution to prevent premature bearing failure and improve environmental sustainability while reducing costs. Remanufacturing, a process that refurbishes bearings before major damage occurs, offers a promising approach. This article explores the benefits of remanufacturing, its impact on environmental aspects, and the economic rationale behind its adoption. Case Study: SKF Best Environmental Management Practice Remanufacturing plays a vital role in extending the service life of bearings. By refurbishing worn-out bearings, remanufacturing significantly reduces costs and lead times. Additionally, this practice presents a notable environmental advantage by requiring substantially lower energy and raw…
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Case Study: Transforming Waste into Resources

Case Study: Transforming Waste into Resources

Eco-friendly aerospace, EMS
In today's era of environmental consciousness, businesses are increasingly seeking innovative ways to reduce waste and enhance sustainability. Steelcase, a renowned office furniture manufacturer, has taken a step towards environmental management by repurposing its manufacturing waste. This blog post explores Steelcase's partnership with GMI Composites and their collaborative effort to turn waste into a valuable resource. Case Study: Steelcase and GMI Composites Best Environmental Management Practice Steelcase's manufacturing process involves powder coating the steel parts of their ergonomic seating products. Traditionally, the overspray and excess coating powder were considered waste. However, through the establishment of a new relationship, Steelcase now provides this waste material to GMI Composites. GMI Composites, in turn, utilises the powder as a matrix material to manufacture lightweight manhole systems using a sheet moulding compound process (this…
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Case Study: Applying Circular Economy for Sustainable Garment Hangers

Case Study: Applying Circular Economy for Sustainable Garment Hangers

Eco-friendly aerospace, EMS
Tom Hangers is garment hangers manufacturer that has successfully embraced a circular business model to close the materials loop of their products. This innovative approach has allowed the company to reach numerous benefits while contributing to environmental sustainability. By adopting a closed loop process, they has not only reduced costs but also established stronger relationships with major retailers and garment suppliers. Case Study: Tom Hangers Best Environmental Management Practice Tom Hangers' closed loop process involves the re-use of garment hangers, extending their lifespan beyond a single use. When partnering with a new client, the company develops a new garment hanger solution using virgin materials. Manufacturers purchase these hangers and deploy them before shipping their products. Retailers then collect the hangers during the purchase process and send them back to distribution…
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Clause by Clause Analysis of ISO 14001: Understanding the Requirements and Achieving Compliance

Clause by Clause Analysis of ISO 14001: Understanding the Requirements and Achieving Compliance

Eco-friendly aerospace, EMS
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard that outlines the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework for organisations to identify and control their environmental impact, improve their environmental performance, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Below you can learn more about ISO 14001 clauses and what can be done to achieve compliance with this standard. 4 Context of the organization 4.1 Understanding the organization and its context Clause 4.1 is the first auditable requirement of ISO 14001:2015. This requirement is about understanding the organisation (the company that wants to implement EMS) and understanding relevant external and internal issues that may potentially affect you / your business / your product or services. List of things that can be done to achieve compliance with this clause is…
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