218
Toxic Chemicals
that provides a payback within a few years. For example, the program has been in
existence since 1998, and as of 2007, the program had identified potential savings
representing over $1 million per year for Washington businesses.
During the analysis phase, the team evaluates methods to combine processes and
reduce the use of toxic and prolific chemicals. To receive buy-in from the company,
the team has to demonstrate that the changes are not only environmentally beneficial
but also economically beneficial. The estimated savings of past analyses have shown
up to a sevenfold return on investment within the first year. Because it is up to the companies to implement their own changes, the suggestions have to be realistic in scope.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRAM
The environmental and occupational health impacts based on historical recommendations have stemmed from the reduction in the use of water and the generation of
hazardous waste.
The TREE team aims for a 10–15 percent design level in its evaluations. Because
this is a free program, the program does not have the resources to analyze all the
systems and potential systems in a facility along with all the potential side effects
of any change. If the company feels that it needs this service, it can hire an outside
engineering firm or vendor.
The use of an outside organization leads to a fresh look for the facilities in the
program. In addition, because the program is voluntary, the assessors offer an
unbiased viewpoint to the process. For each company, the analysis of the needs that
is performed before the project begins focuses this program on those companies that
will benefit the most. However, as the program develops, it will be helpful to expand
the expertise and the marketing of the program. Smaller businesses, which are the
ones that are most likely to need a program like this, are the ones that are the least
likely to hear about it.
The TREE program initially consisted of two part-time staff members. Today,
there is the equivalent of one to one-and-a-half full-time employees dedicated to this
program. It is also expanding its scope. The Washington Department of Ecology
added an air quality expert to its staff; this person will help the program expand to
help companies with air quality issues. The program also feels that it would benefit
from an energy expert. The fact that the program continues to grow is a testament
to its success.
LEAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (WASHINGTON STATE)
Lean manufacturing is the reduction of waste and the increase of efficiency in a
production operation. These changes are based on economic benefits to a company
and minimize any activity that does not directly contribute to the product or service
that is manufactured or provided. That covers more than just materials; it could
be down- or wait time, rent and utilities for unnecessary facility space, or dealing
with defects. Once a production operation is streamlined, environmental benefits
occur indirectly. Due to the fact that lean manufacturing does not have a specific
environmental focus, it can miss opportunities for environmental source reduction.
Toxic Chemicals
that provides a payback within a few years. For example, the program has been in
existence since 1998, and as of 2007, the program had identified potential savings
representing over $1 million per year for Washington businesses.
During the analysis phase, the team evaluates methods to combine processes and
reduce the use of toxic and prolific chemicals. To receive buy-in from the company,
the team has to demonstrate that the changes are not only environmentally beneficial
but also economically beneficial. The estimated savings of past analyses have shown
up to a sevenfold return on investment within the first year. Because it is up to the companies to implement their own changes, the suggestions have to be realistic in scope.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRAM
The environmental and occupational health impacts based on historical recommendations have stemmed from the reduction in the use of water and the generation of
hazardous waste.
The TREE team aims for a 10–15 percent design level in its evaluations. Because
this is a free program, the program does not have the resources to analyze all the
systems and potential systems in a facility along with all the potential side effects
of any change. If the company feels that it needs this service, it can hire an outside
engineering firm or vendor.
The use of an outside organization leads to a fresh look for the facilities in the
program. In addition, because the program is voluntary, the assessors offer an
unbiased viewpoint to the process. For each company, the analysis of the needs that
is performed before the project begins focuses this program on those companies that
will benefit the most. However, as the program develops, it will be helpful to expand
the expertise and the marketing of the program. Smaller businesses, which are the
ones that are most likely to need a program like this, are the ones that are the least
likely to hear about it.
The TREE program initially consisted of two part-time staff members. Today,
there is the equivalent of one to one-and-a-half full-time employees dedicated to this
program. It is also expanding its scope. The Washington Department of Ecology
added an air quality expert to its staff; this person will help the program expand to
help companies with air quality issues. The program also feels that it would benefit
from an energy expert. The fact that the program continues to grow is a testament
to its success.
LEAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (WASHINGTON STATE)
Lean manufacturing is the reduction of waste and the increase of efficiency in a
production operation. These changes are based on economic benefits to a company
and minimize any activity that does not directly contribute to the product or service
that is manufactured or provided. That covers more than just materials; it could
be down- or wait time, rent and utilities for unnecessary facility space, or dealing
with defects. Once a production operation is streamlined, environmental benefits
occur indirectly. Due to the fact that lean manufacturing does not have a specific
environmental focus, it can miss opportunities for environmental source reduction.