With constant heat waves disrupting lives in one part of the world and floods damaging routines in the other, the magnitudes of climate change are setting records for rapid and consistent global consequences. But in a society where manufacturing, production and possession of natural resources indicate the progress of the economy, tackling climate change with a socially impactful approach remains the only choice for companies. While companies around choose their social responsibilities aligning with their vision and mission, many follow the impactful suit by going green or promoting eco-friendly production and manufacturing applications. On the verge of severe climate change adversities, going green might be the most impactful way industries can retain their responsibilities. And aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the green choice seems to be a move toward the future, but how are companies home and abroad making the shift?

Going Green- The concept

For manufacturing companies, going green is linked to the concept of green manufacturing. Green manufacturing is all about changing business strategies and manufacturing practices, as well as consumer offerings and the mindset of stakeholders, to mitigate the industrial impact on climate change and other environmental concerns. The concept of ‘Green’, a broad one in the scenario, flows through the production process, supply chain management and customer preference shift. From a poll by CBS, it was found that 70% of Americans believe human activity contributes to climate change, and 56% believe we should act now to tackle it. And such results are evident that customer preference is shifting, so the choice to go green is becoming a norm.

Practising Green- How & Why

Green manufacturing is coming off as a new way to achieve consumer trust. But the know-hows and purposes of the approach go beyond just that. Companies now Practice green manufacturing with the focus on using fewer natural resources, reducing pollution, recycling and reuse, and mitigating production emissions. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) creating new opportunities for production and management through artificial intelligence and automation, companies are eyeing sustainable means of business. The shift not only helps companies cope with the growing demand for green product consumption but also entitles them to a socially impactful profile.

Adaptation – The Global Scenario

In the global scenario, big names have started moving toward a green culture for a while now. Toyota maintains a strong focus on environmental leadership in their production and company approach. Toyota’s Environmental Management System follows its principle of “green, clean and lean” ever since the first European manufacturing facility was established in 1992. The car manufacturer has promoted the core principle of eliminating “waste” since then. While companies like Google have committed to being completely carbon-free until 2030, IT company Adobe Systems has already paved the way by becoming the greenest IT company in Newsweek’s 2014 rankings. The company has been preparing to achieve its ambitious goal to be net zero energy starting a decade ago during the energy crisis of 1999-2000. Its sustainable strategic office space culture, along with ample investment in renewable energy, definitely stands the company out. But the list hardly ends here; there lie companies that promote their sustainable commitments throughout the whole business model. Pentagia, an outdoor clothing brand, is one such example. Their products, made from natural rubbers and plastic bottles, swear on their promise of sustainability. Aiming toward sustainable development, their campaigns have encouraged people to replace and repair old products rather than investing in new ones.

Adaptation- The Local Scenario

Because of its geographic positioning, Bangladesh has always been a land suffering from severe climate conditions. Despite contributing only 0.56% of total global emissions, the country and its countrymen have suffered the worst consequences, including heavy flooding, droughts and heatwaves. But the local companies, despite their low emissions, are also thriving to take climate action to protect not only the country but also the globe. According to the World Bank, the potential for climate and green investments is greater than $200 billion in Bangladesh. With Bangladesh Bank’s rule of Banks and financial institutions having to provide 5% of loans for green finance annually, the local companies have further incentivized to overtake a green approach to manufacturing. Changing the way global conglomerates operate is a big move towards sustainability. And more companies are going green, understanding the necessity. So it’s only a matter of time for the manufacturing industry when green would be pronounced in sync with sustainability and greater development of the economy.

Author- Subeh Tarek