In the bustling city of Berlin this May, TenForce joined SustainWorX, an exclusive closed-door gathering that united senior executives, creating a genuine and insightful dialogue around the challenges and opportunities that accompany sustainable manufacturing practices. SustainWorX acted as a powerful catalyst for change, igniting the passion for a greener future and driving TenForce toward further pioneering solutions. Our very own Bastiaan Deblieck and Uroš Milošević keenly observed and identified several pivotal themes that shaped the discourse. 

Revving Up Sustainability: From Green Concepts to Economic Roadblocks and Regulatory Pit Stops 

It became clear early into the event that sustainability targets, such as those relating to the circular economy and achieving net zero by 2050, are anything but buzzwords. These targets reflect genuine concerns backed by concrete action plans, steering us towards a greener future. 

Acknowledging the substantial environmental impact of energy consumption, the event emphasized the importance of taking decisive steps to reduce CO2 emissions, including energy consumption reduction, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing effective carbon capture techniques.   

While there was a prevailing sense of optimism that the climate crisis can be curbed, it was acknowledged that economic constraints often hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable solutions. Furthermore, concerns about competitors’ reluctance to engage in sustainability initiatives underscored the need for additional regulations to ensure industry-wide commitment. The collective call was for a level playing field where sustainability becomes a shared responsibility across the board. 

Driving Sustainability in Manufacturing Through Bold New Regulations

Amidst this collective call for action, leaders at SustainWorX highlighted the growing likelihood of heightened litigation. This is particularly evident in the United States, where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently demonstrated a long-awaited commitment to addressing the climate crisis with a wave of new climate regulations, including: 

• New guidelines to mitigate the production and usage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to achieve a 40% reduction in HFC levels and to prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century. These guidelines include reducing HFC production and consumption allowances and reinforcing compliance, enforcement, and reporting requirements. 
• New standards to regulate emissions of the cancer-causing toxins benzene, ethylene oxide, vinyl chloride, as well as mercury, arsenic, lead, soot, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Facilities involved in the production, storage, use, or emission of these toxins must monitor air pollutant levels at their boundaries.  

• A significant 90% emissions reduction target for the power sector that’s projected to prevent the release of 617 million tons of carbon dioxide over the next two decades.  
• Strengthened standards for the oil and natural gas sector, aiming to cut methane emissions from new and existing facilities by 810 million tons within the next decade. 

Stringent environmental policies, such as those implemented by the EPA and governments worldwide, are driving organizations to align their sustainability efforts with the evolving legal framework. This emphasis on compliance fuels the demand for comprehensive EHSQ (Environment, Health, Safety, and Quality) software solutions. 

TenForce’s robust software empowers organizations to meet compliance obligations amid increasing scrutiny and potential litigation. Through their recent strategic partnership with Enhesa, TenForce provides clients with actionable EHS compliance intelligence, helping them to navigate regulations and proactively address compliance obligations in a rapidly changing environment. 

Sustainable Manufacturing: Leading the Way in a World of Tightening Regulations 

Amidst tightening regulations and more stringent emission reduction targets, the manufacturing industry has found itself at the forefront of technological advancement. This shift has paved the way for manufacturers to explore alternative solutions that adhere to environmental goals whilst maintaining productivity and profitability. The recent SustainWorX event served as a hub for launching and showcasing groundbreaking sustainability approaches, including these solutions: 

Hydrogen Engines: Pioneering Clean and Efficient Power Generation 

Hydrogen engines have emerged as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions in the manufacturing sector. These engines utilize hydrogen as a fuel source, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct, helping to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a new era of clean energy in manufacturing. 

Battery-Powered Plant Machinery: Revolutionizing Operations and Emissions 

In an industry such as construction, where machinery plays a significant role, the emergence of battery-powered alternatives presents a promising solution to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. Embracing these battery-powered solutions also propels innovation in the advancement of cutting-edge battery technologies tailored for industrial applications. 

Pioneering Sustainable Compressor Technology 

Oil-free compressed air solutions, such as those offered by Tamturbo, exemplify how increased regulation can drive innovation in manufacturing. Compressed air systems, vital in various manufacturing processes, can be energy-intensive and environmentally impactful. Eliminating oil from the compression process can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.  

Harnessing Software for Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Management 

To achieve their sustainability goals, organizations are turning to solutions for managing their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. The supply chain accounts for a significant portion of a company’s sustainability impact, and reporting on these Scope 3 emissions is increasingly required. However, the vast amount of data available, its diverse nature, distributed sources, and the inherent incompleteness of information create challenges. 

The emergence of software solutions for product life cycle intelligence is enabling companies to track and report on scope 3 emissions, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving cost savings, and optimizing the supply chain. And, by leveraging TenForce’s Environmental Management module, to efficiently report on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, companies can take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future. 

The EPA’s strict regulations act as a driving force for innovation within the manufacturing industry, compelling manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices, minimize their carbon footprint, and create a greener, more efficient manufacturing environment. 

Innovation and Sustainability and Profitability 

The recent SustainWorX event in Berlin served as a platform for industry leaders to drive the development of pioneering solutions. Stringent regulations are compelling organizations to align their sustainability efforts with the evolving legal framework. And, software solutions, such as those offered by TenForce, can enable organizations to meet compliance obligations and navigate the complex regulatory landscape.  

By leveraging software tools for environmental management, companies can ensure regulatory compliance, identify efficiency opportunities, and optimize their supply chains. And, as the manufacturing industry embraces sustainable practices, it sets the stage for a greener and more efficient future, driven by technological advancements and a shared commitment to a sustainable and profitable landscape.  

Join us in creating a sustainable and profitable future for manufacturing. Explore our Environmental Management module for comprehensive emissions tracking, regulatory compliance, and a greener future.