Sustainable Manufacturing 101 Module
The Sustainable Manufacturing 101 Module is designed to familiarize companies, particularly small-to-medium-size manufacturers, with key concepts, approaches, strategies, terminology and regulations related to sustainable manufacturing. The following modules guide users through sustainable manufacturing’s various aspects to help companies identify opportunities for savings and value enhancements throughout the production cycle and supply chain. The module is divided into six distinct lessons, each of which can be downloaded separately below.
Introduction to the Training
Outlines the purpose and goals of the module, how to use it and the various topics/issues it covers.
Introduction to Sustainable Manufacturing
Introduces the topic of environmental sustainability in manufacturing, key terms and definitions, and the scope of activities and practices that fall under this topic.
The Business Case for Sustainable Manufacturing
Outlines the various ways sustainable manufacturing practices can improve a company's bottom line, from reducing production costs to enhancing brand image.
Getting Started and Understanding Your Impact
Walks users through the various environmental impacts the manufacturing process can have and provides frameworks businesses can use to identify their most significant impacts.
Finding Opportunities for Improvement
Assists manufacturers in identifying possible projects throughout the production cycle that can enhance competitiveness and reduce identified environmental impacts.
Deciding On, Financing and Implementing Projects
Provides methods on how to analyze the costs and benefits of various sustainability projects, how to prioritize projects and make a sound financial case for implementing them. This section also discusses the various financing options available to companies as well as specific resources they can take advantage of.
Foreign and Domestic Regulations
Provides an overview of the key U.S. and foreign regulations that continue to drive sustainable business practices today.
Disclaimer
These learning modules are provided as a public service for general reference. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented is complete, unbiased and accurate. However, it should be noted that although the information, guidelines and approaches outlined in these modules represent a synthesis of the Commerce Department's extensive literature review of sustainable manufacturing, they should not be viewed as a definitive overview of the topic nor as a set of federally endorsed recommendations for your company. You should consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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