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Process Engineering and Sustainability
The concept of sustainability is comprised of three main components which assess the environmental, social and economic impact of an organization. A true sustainability plan should go beyond environmental considerations and become a key element in an organization’s strategic plan. Sustainability is a concept that can affect nearly every aspect of an organization. Each area of an operation should be analyzed to continually improve the efficiency of processes, reduce financial liabilities and risks, and eliminate wasted resources and money.
An effective sustainability plan should include a systematic method to identify and overcome current obstacles, as well as maintain an awareness of issues that present future risk. Sustainability plans can encompass a number of scientific disciplines and business strategies, including: lean practices, waste reduction, risk management, carbon and water footprinting, life cycle analysis, process improvements, energy efficiency, worker safety, pollution prevention, financial planning and community relations, as well as a means to proactively address future barriers to success.
Frequently, cash flow challenges or a lack of funding stall the implementation of money saving improvements. However, even when budgetary constraints exist, there are innovative solutions that deliver a solid return on investment. It is important to note that radical changes are not required. Tasks can be accomplished either in stages or through more rapid implementation, whichever pace best fits the needs and finances of the organization. In all cases, each step in the process must produce a reasonable return in order to justify the investment.
Efforts of sustainability programs can complement Quality and Process Efficiency programs, or can stand alone. Key considerations for sustainability should include how to do more while expending the fewest resources, as well as examining the environmental, social and economic impact of changes. Even the most efficient organization can implement additional improvements in process and efficiency to ensure that waste is minimized.
Whether your organization is seeking to improve management of corporate or customer requirements, or the implementation of process efficiencies and other continual improvement activities, Cornerstone can assist. Our associates will partner with your staff to evaluate the feasibility of programs in accordance with core targets and objectives. As improvements are made, the net effects in target areas are carefully monitored and measured. When necessary, appropriate adjustments can be made to confirm continuous regulatory compliance.
Services include:
- Energy Usage Evaluations
- Full Site Energy Audit
- Process Optimization Study
- Process Flow Analysis
- Carbon and Water Footprinting
- Emissions Reduction Studies
- Pollution Prevention
- Life Cycle Analysis
- Alternative Chemical Evaluation
- Waste Reduction/Minimization Studies
- Capture and Control Evaluation
- Indoor Air Contamination Reduction
Cornerstone is also available to manage implementation of resulting projects and perform follow up studies if requested.
Benefits Include:
- Reduce environmental impacts
- Decrease demand on public utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer)
- Maintain continuous regulatory compliance
- Reduce operating expenses; improve profitability
- Increase property/building value
- Improve market opportunities
- Improve ventilation and indoor air quality
- Qualify for tax benefits and financial incentives
- Advance corporate citizenship and enhance public relations