Clean Production
DaCosta Gwendoline is committed to a cleaner production approach to environmental management throughout our portfolio services. By cleaner production, we mean reducing pollution at the source. Our clean production services are aimed at the full spectrum of clients:
- Governments and regulatory agencies who are developing or revising environmental policies and regulations
- Industrial clients seeking approval for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance for new projects
- Private sector commercial and industrial clients who are seeking to remedy existing pollution
- Institutional clients and others who are seeking to clean up, avoid or minimize damage to the natural environment and public or ecosystem health
DGE offers clean production services that help clients to transition to more sustainable manufacturing systems by creating clean processes and clean products in a four step process. In the first step, we work with our clients technical in-house staff and management to rethink their manufacturing operations, with a focus on (1) conservation of raw materials, water and energy use, (2) minimization or outright elimination of toxic inputs, and (3) reduction in toxic outputs (such as effluent streams, air pollution, solid or hazardous wastes, and the like). These measures usually have the effect of reducing mid-term to long-run operating and regulatory compliance costs. Implementation of a cleaner production program is consistent with attaining environmental and social responsibility certifications (such as ISO 14000), and it often boosts employee morale – so it is good for business!
The second step of our clean production services is focused on the client’s product and introduces life cycle thinking, green product labeling and green procurement, where financially feasible. The third step of the process entails examining the feasibility of achieving a zero or near-zero waste policy via material reuse and recycling, creating a closed loop system for the manufacturing process. In the fourth and final step of the manufacturing sustainability process, we engage clients to explore ways to incorporate ecological engineering and bio-based materials into their production process.
Each step in the process is optional and is designed to meet our client’s specific needs and budget.
We offer clean production through a range of partnerships including the environmental, water quality, process and waste engineering experts among our usual project partners, to strategic partnerships with universities and cleaner production institutes in the USA, Mexico and Uganda.
If you are interested in finding out more about our clean production services, contact us directly and arrange for a free one hour consultation.
See below for a fun and informative video about clean production principles as they apply to the electronics manufacturing industry from The Story About Stuff Project.
For more information about clean production, check out the links below:
United Nation Environmental Programme Background paper
UNEP Sustainable Consumption & Production Branch
United Nation Industrial Development Organization Cleaner & Sustainable Production Unit