Energy and green transition: Manufacturing companies as the key to a sustainable future
In line with the increasing demands to reduce CO2 emissions and slow climate change, the green transition has become a necessity for both society and industry. In order to achieve the ambitious goals of reducing global warming, it is required that all sectors, including the manufacturing industry, adapt to more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. Manufacturing companies play a central role in this transition, as they are both large consumers of energy and at the same time can contribute to promoting the development of green technology, sustainable processes and resource efficiency.
The production of goods and services has traditionally been heavily dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, which has resulted in significant CO2 emissions. In order to meet the global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target, it is necessary to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and switch to cleaner, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and biomass.
Green conversion in production companies means the implementation of a number of strategies and technologies that can minimize the environmental impact and at the same time ensure efficient operation. This can include everything from energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, waste management and recycling of materials to the development of products with a lower environmental impact.
Energy efficiency is one of the most direct and effective steps that manufacturing companies can take towards a green transition. In many production facilities, energy costs are a significant expense, and at the same time energy consumption is often associated with large CO2 emissions. Therefore, investing in technology that reduces energy consumption is both economically and environmentally beneficial.
Companies can achieve energy efficiency through several methods, including:
Optimizing production processes: By improving the efficiency of production lines, companies can reduce waste of energy and resources.
Automation and digitalisation: Modern technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data enable companies to monitor energy consumption in real time and dynamically optimize production.
Energy-efficient lighting and heating: The transition to LED lighting, as well as the use of more efficient heating and cooling systems, can significantly reduce energy consumption in production facilities.
Insulation and heat recovery: By installing advanced insulation and heat recovery systems, companies can reuse the excess heat generated in production and use it to heat buildings or for other processes.
To achieve a truly green transition, it is necessary for manufacturing companies to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This can be done by implementing a number of solutions:
Solar energy: Installation of solar cell systems in factories and warehouses can supply a large part of the company's energy needs. With solar energy, companies can produce clean power themselves, which both reduces dependence on external energy sources and creates a sustainable energy supply.
Wind energy: Larger production companies in particular, which are located in areas with good wind conditions, can choose to install their own wind turbines. Alternatively, they can buy power from wind farms and thus ensure a stable supply of green energy.
Biomass: Biomass can be an important source of energy for companies operating in sectors such as agriculture, the paper industry or food production. Here, waste products such as wood chips or agricultural residues can be used to generate energy, which is both economically advantageous and climate-friendly.
For many companies that have large energy needs, investments in renewable energy in the form of both on-site installations and the purchase of green power can be a step towards achieving a more sustainable operation and reducing CO2 emissions.
Circular economy is a term that describes a model where resources are used, reused and recycled instead of being thrown away as waste. This model is fundamental to the green transition, as it reduces the need for new resources and minimizes the environmental impact.
For manufacturing companies, this means:
Waste reduction and recycling: Companies can optimize their production processes to reduce the amount of waste. This can include the reuse of materials in production and efficient waste management, which ensures that waste is either recycled or processed into new products.
Product design for longevity and reusability: Companies can design products that have a longer shelf life and are easier to repair, reuse or recycle. It saves both money and resources in the long run.
End of life cycle: When products are no longer useful, they can often be either recycled or reused in other production processes, giving them a new life and reducing the need to extract new materials.
Circular economy creates a closed loop where waste from one process becomes input to another, which both improves resource efficiency and reduces overall environmental impact.
The green conversion of production does not necessarily stop at the company's own doors – it is also important to involve the entire supply chain. Sustainable supply chains play a central role in minimizing the company's overall CO2 footprint and ensuring responsible working conditions and resource utilization.
Companies can make a difference by:
Choose suppliers who are also green: By choosing suppliers who use sustainable processes and materials, the company can support the green transition in the entire value chain.
Transport and logistics: Optimizing transport and logistics, such as choosing electric trucks or using routes that minimize greenhouse gas emissions, is also an important part of the green transition.
Although the green transition in manufacturing companies is in full swing, there are still more challenges on the way. It requires large investments to implement renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technology and circular processes. In addition, it is necessary to have a good understanding of and adaptation to the global regulations that promote sustainability.
But the long-term benefits of a green transition are enormous. Manufacturing companies that invest in sustainable solutions today will be better equipped to handle future demands for lower CO2 emissions, while also being able to achieve savings through energy efficiency and waste reduction. It will also ensure that the company is competitive in a market where sustainability is an increasingly important requirement from both consumers and investors.
Green conversion is no longer a choice, but a necessity for production companies that want to secure a sustainable and economically viable future. Through energy efficiency, implementation of renewable energy, circular economy and responsible supply chain management, companies can play a central role in reducing their environmental impact and promoting a sustainable global economy. The green transition is an investment that will pay off both for the company and for the planet as a whole.
