Our reliance on fossil fuels has led to devastating effects on our environment, including climate change, which much of our nation is experiencing now with unusual weather patterns. However, over the past 20 years, green-minded companies have been working to lessen continued damage by implementing sustainable business practices and turning to alternative energy sources.Here are a few methods that sustainable industries are using to lessen their impact and leverage alternative energy.
Sustainable Manufacturing
According to an Assembly Magazine study, 55 percent of professionals in rubber and plastic manufacturing engage in eco-friendly business practices such as recycling, using solar power, installing energy-efficient lighting, and shipping via reusable containers.
One company leading the way in sustainable manufacturing is Apple Rubber, the leading designer and manufacturer of o-rings and sealing devices that serve a range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to medical and pharmaceutical. Recently Apple Rubber reported that the company is looking into a bio-based rubber, a sustainable alternative that would potentially lower the company's carbon footprint and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Sustainable alternatives will not only help price control, but will limit the footprint of the entire rubber industry," said John Tranquilli, materials manager at Apple Rubber.
Water—Hydroelectric
According to the National Hydropower Association, hydropower is an environmentally friendly energy source that generates power without producing toxic byproducts or air pollution. The NHA reports that hydropower decreases the amount of carbon pollution by 200 million metric tons each year, equal to the output of more than 38 million cars. From coast to coast, states throughout the U.S. are busy working to generate hydropower.
The Pacific Northwest is leading the way in hydroelectric power with companies like Alstom Power Inc., which are modernizing the way we harness power from water. A new project led by Alstom is increasing the power generation capacity of Chief Joseph Dam by upwards of 40 megawatts. In addition, turbine efficiency will be increased by 95 percent. The installation of new equipment will also help to protect the native wildlife including steelhead and salmon. When completed, the project will bring clean energy to more than 30,000 homes in the Northwest.
Wind Power
From Australia to Europe, to right here in the U.S., windmill farms are popping up all around the world. Siemens, a market leader in the industry with more than 30 years of experience, finds it important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while using innovative ways to meet the world’s demand for energy. Siemens operates close to 13,000 wind turbines across the globe that help to supply the world with renewable, clean energy.
Notably, wind power is one of the most sustainable ways to generate energy. The U.S. has 60,000 megawatts of wind energy capacity, which is enough to power 15 million homes. However, we’ve hardly scratched the surface. According to the American Wind Energy Association, land-based resources in the U.S. total up to more than 100,000 megawatts, enough to power the nation 10 times over.
