Expansion Management

Is the U.S. Government Promoting Sustainability in Manufacturing?

July 24, 2009

Well yes it is. Called the Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative (SMI) and Public-Private Dialogue, the Commerce Department is headlong into the sustainability movement.

And it's getting some heavy hitters --Goodrich Aerostructures and Boeing were part of the recent event called "Sustainability 360: An Aerospace Supply Chain Event." They were tour sites as was Tyee Aircraft and Puget Sound Energy.

Acting U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Mary Saunders led the tour, which took place on July 13. The event was designed to showcase the benefits of sustainable manufacturing throughout an aerospace manufacturing supply chain.

The tour highlighted results that companies gain when they incorporate cleaner, more resource-efficient technologies and product life-cycle approaches in their manufacturing processes.

The Commerce Department also offers a variety of resources including:

Green Supplier Network -- this group works with large manufacturers to engage their small and medium-sized suppliers in low-cost technical reviews that focus on process improvement and waste minimization

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) -- help businesses choose cost-effective, environmentally preferable building products

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) -- this group offers sector-specific lean and clean manufacturing technical assistance and environmental assessment services.

To find out more the program in general visit www.manufacturing.gov/sustainability

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.