Industry consumes one-third of U.S. energy output, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. Companies that find sustainable ways to power their processes will gain competitive advantages, and the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Management, Concentration in Industrial Management program from Texas State University equips graduates to lead the way.
Engineering managers with advanced expertise and insight into developing and optimizing sustainable manufacturing processes are positioned for future-proof roles. Consumers are more concerned now than ever before about the impact industry has on the environment and basing buying decisions on companies’ sustainability initiatives. “In response, manufacturers are making significant strides to lower their environmental impact through product lifecycle management, e-waste management, and implementing more sustainable manufacturing practices,” according to The POWERS Company.
Essential Concepts for Understanding Sustainability
As pressure to adopt ecologically sensitive processes continues to build on the global economy, manufacturers are accelerating the adoption of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a key sustainability measure. LCA is a method that evaluates the environmental impact of products from raw material extraction to disposal. In industrial ecology and sustainability engineering, LCA provides an objective, end-to-end environmental impact assessment.
The evaluation enables decision-makers and engineers to design more environmentally responsible products, optimize processes and promote a corporate culture that understands environmental consequences. Essentially, LCA quantifies a company’s commitment to sound environmental policy, supporting claims made to stakeholders, regulatory agencies and consumers. “Sustainable branding and eco-labelling, backed by LCA data, enhance brand credibility and attract eco-conscious customers. Businesses investing in LCA show corporate responsibility, improving relationships with stakeholders and investors,” according to Tunley Environmental.
What Is the Current State of Sustainable Manufacturing?
Manufacturing is on the cusp of sector-wide adoption of sustainable products and processes. Those on the leading edge are already reducing costs, improving productivity and growing. Despite the cost of re-inventing itself and the uncertainty of technologies largely still in research stages, these trends are finding substantial footholds:
- Circular economy processes: These reduce waste and pollution; recycle, re-purpose or revert products at their end of life into raw materials; and regenerate natural systems by using sustainable raw materials. This is a complete break with the linear model of manufacturing in place since the Industrial Revolution — make, use, throw away — to a circular model of make, use, re-use, repair or re-manufacture.
- Digital transformation of supply chains: Enable real-time tracking of materials, processes and emissions, increasing visibility. Improved transparency allows manufacturers to optimize operations, reduce waste and make data-driven decisions that support sustainable practices and environmental goals.
- Workforce development for sustainability: This involves cultivating employee skills, knowledge and ethical awareness to support long-term organizational goals, environmental responsibility and social well-being. It focuses on nurturing a workforce capable of driving sustainable practices and innovation.
Key challenges to sustainability in manufacturing range from high initial costs and supply chain complexity to balancing environmental and fiduciary responsibilities. Still, the early adopters are gaining competitive advantages. “Eighty percent of executives say that sustainability has a positive impact on profitability,” The Future of Commerce says, commenting on an SAP survey.
How Is Artificial Intelligence Driving the Future of Sustainability?
Artificial intelligence is one of the advanced technologies the manufacturing sector is adopting. In addition to increasing visibility up and down complex supply chains, AI algorithms support the optimization of production schedules. For instance, producers can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs by aligning operations with periods of lower energy demand.
Moreover, AI and machine learning’s capacity to analyze large, complicated datasets in near real-time provides decision-makers with objective insights that enable them to balance operations with sustainability goals, ultimately contributing to more sustainable industrial practices. “Applying AI to foundational enterprise data will drive the discovery of opportunities that limit exploitation and reduce costs while creating a healthier planet — and strengthening the potential for new avenues of business growth and performance,” the World Economic Forum predicts.
The Role of Industrial Electrification in the Future of Sustainability
Industrial electrification refers to transitioning from fossil fuel-powered systems to electricity-based technologies in manufacturing processes. In the steel industry, for instance, manufacturers are replacing coal-powered blast furnaces with electric arc furnaces (EAF) to melt scrap steel.
Even using fossil-fuel-generated electricity to power them, the efficiency of EAFs reduces emissions substantially, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). “We need to electrify as aggressively as possible. 70% of industrial process heating — all low- and medium-temperature process heating and much high-temperature process heating — should be electrified by 2050,” the ACEEE urges, while acknowledging costs and operational challenges are significant.
Play Your Part in Sustainable Manufacturing With an Industrial Management Degree
Texas State University’s online M.S. in Engineering Management – Industrial Management program prepares graduates with the essential skills to participate in this sustainable future of industrial electrification. For instance, the Industrial Ecology and Sustainability Engineering course focuses on product LCA, a sustainability process that includes energy efficiency at every manufacturing level.
The Industrial Project Management and Scheduling course explores the theory and application of system design, implementation and management. This program helps future engineers give their organizations a competitive edge through these and other courses.
Learn more about Texas State University’s online M.S. in Engineering Management, Concentration in Industrial Management program.
