Page 397 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

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its sustainability programs on water, health, and hygiene.
Mohawk Industries developed a carpet made with renewable
polymers. Patagonia has embraced DFE since its founding
and is striving to make all of its products recyclable.
Chapter 17: Materials Production Industries. Materials are the
building blocks of product design, and material producers are
increasingly emphasizing recyclability and other environmen-
tally friendly characteristics.
Examples: Alcoa stresses recycling of aluminum and is con-
verting wastes to products in its Brazilian manufacturing
operations. Holcim, a global leader in the cement industry,
is reducing the environmental footprint of its operations
and blending waste into its products. Owens Corning is
reducing the energy intensity of glass products and operates
an eco-efficient insulation plant that is a model of sustainable
manufacturing.

Chapter 18: Energy Production Industries. Energy production
is in the spotlight due to concerns over global warming and
petroleum consumption. Many alternative technologies are being
developed to supplement conventional fuel sources and enable
more efficient power generation and distribution.
Examples: American Electric Power, a major coal-burning
utility, demonstrates a commitment to sustainability principles
in carbon management, design of transmission lines, and
recovery of by-products such as gypsum. Chevron is helping
to provide energy conservation solutions and is developing
new biofuels in partnership with the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory.

Chapter 19: Service Industries. Service providers can generate
a significant footprint based on their utilization of energy, prod-
ucts, and human labor. Global companies in a variety of service
industries are pursuing environmental excellence.
Examples: Wal-Mart has launched a score of environmental
initiatives that are driving supplier performance; JCPenney
and other retailers are also introducing greener products
and supply chain operations. McDonald’s, Starbucks, and
other food and beverage service chains are redesigning
their packaging. UPS and FedEx, the leading delivery service
pro viders, have pursued a variety of energy efficiency and
recycling initiatives. The financial industries have adopted
sustainability principles, and major companies such as
Citigroup are greening their facilities and operations. Tour -
ism and recreational service companies, such as Disney and
Hilton, are also reducing their environmental footprint.