The International Trade Administration (ITA) announced on May 30 its intentions to organize a "Green Manufacturing Day." The purpose of this day, according this division of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), is to "enhance public-private interaction in the field of sustainable manufacturing."
Sustainable manufacturing is defined, by the organization, as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that are non-polluting, conserve energy and natural resources, are economically sound, and safe for employees, communities and consumers.
The ITA notes that "at this early stage in sustainable manufacturing's development, increased public-private interaction can be an effective means for government and industry to (a) identify the opportunities and challenges faced by manufacturers in pursuing sustainable production practices and (b) promote capacity-building among individual firms and industry sectors as a whole."
The purpose of the proposed "Green Manufacturing Day," tentatively scheduled for September 2007, will be to:
- Disseminate and promote best business practices in sustainable manufacturing.
- Assist small-and-medium-sized enterprises in identifying and implementing practical sustainable manufacturing solutions.
- Provide information on relevant emerging technologies.
- Educate participants on federal government efforts to promote sustainable manufacturing.
- Provide information on international sustainable manufacturing initiatives, projects, and opportunities.
Topic areas covered may include: industrial recycling, natural resource conservation, water supply and waste-water treatment, solid-waste management, hazardous waste management, environmental assessment, environmental accounting, lean and clean manufacturing, regulatory compliance, renewable energy, remanufacturing, refurbishing/reconditioning, environmental technology research and development and air pollution control.
The DOC is requesting feedback. Contact William McElnea, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 2213, 1401 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20230 ,
william.mcelnea@mail.doc.gov