Sustainable Industrial Revolution

The authors of ‘Towards a Sustainable Industrial System’ are calling for an industrial equivalent of the human genome project in order to help business address the threat of global warming. Lead author Prof Steve Evans says the vision for the new industrial revolution was to create a system which delivers commercial success but uses a quarter of the current resources.

Call to drive the next industrial revolution

Industrialists, academics and government should join forces to drive a new industrial revolution which would help tackle climate change, says a new report.

The authors of “Towards a Sustainable Industrial System” are calling for an industrial equivalent of the human genome project in order to help business address the threat of global warming.

Some of the world’s leading manufacturing experts have combined to produce the report published by the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM).

The ambitious venture aims to understand how essential elements of industrial systems – resources, processes and organisation – could be integrated to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining acceptable standards of living without damaging the planet.

A global co-operative research effort would provide an opportunity to pool expertise in industrial design, production research and regulation.

The project would help speed change through the rapid sharing and application of environmentally-sound manufacturing practices as well the systematic development of new green technologies and approaches.

The report, to be launched on September 23rd, is designed to highlight the benefits and opportunities which can flow from a more integrated approach to industrial sustainability.

It recommends a radical integrated approach to the analysis and design of industrial systems, many of which have grown in piecemeal fashion with little regard for overall impact.

Significant work has taken place targeting elements of the system, such as the use of raw materials, adopting frugal production processes and paying close attention to reuse and recycling.

But these can be dramatically enhanced if applied in the context of a broader view of the industrial system.

Following in the footsteps of the original human genome project, the project will take an ‘open source’ approach, enabling rapid dissemination of findings.

Initial areas of focus for the programme will include:

• The development of a handbook of examples of global best practice

• Support for short intensive programmes to enable companies to make immediate 10% environmental improvements

• Support re-education of existing workforce to swiftly implement changes

• Facilitate rapid adoption of industrial sustainability principles in workplaces, schools and universities

The report’s authors are Professor Steve Evans of Cranfield University, Professor Mike Gregory of the IfM, Professor Chris Ryan of the University of Melbourne and Professor Margareta Norell Bergendahl of the King’s Technical School, Sweden.

Lead author Prof Steve Evans described the importance of the report: “Groups like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have identified the environmental problems caused by industrial activity, but they lack the expertise and knowledge of industry.

“For years industrial academics have focused on efficiencies and technologies to speed production and save cash, now there’s an opportunity to focus these efforts on solving the greatest issues of our time.

“The opportunity and responsibility to effect change rests with those of us who work within the industrial system and that includes industrialists, policy makers and academics.

“Companies like Toyota, Philips, Xerox have led the way, making huge strides towards sustainability, now we in academia need to join forces to speed the change.

“There are major opportunities for companies that learn to do more with less. Not only will it add more to the firm’s bottom line, but by learning these new ‘green’ skills it makes them more adaptable in the future.”

He said the vision for the new industrial revolution was to create a system which delivers commercial success but uses a quarter of the current resources.

The paper will officially be launched today (September 23rd) ahead of the Institute for Manufacturing’s 14th annual Centre for International Manufacturing Symposium.

The Institute for Manufacturing

The University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), is a division of the Department of Engineering. The IfM brings together expertise in management, economics and technology to address the full spectrum of industrial issues. Its activities integrate research and education with practical application in companies, providing a unique environment for the creation of new ideas and approaches to modern industrial practice. The IfM works closely with industry, at a regional, national and international level, providing strategic, technical and operational expertise to help companies to grow and to become more competitive.

IfM and sustainability

The Institute’s sustainable manufacturing group has published a range of research papers, including the 2006 “Well Dressed?” report on the sustainability of the textile industry. This work formed part of the Biffaward programme on sustainable resource use.

The IfM’s new building on the west Cambridge site was the first University of Cambridge building to hold an excellent rating in the coveted BREEAM environmental award.

Cranfield University

Is a wholly postgraduate institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence and expertise in aerospace, automotive, defence, engineering, environment and water, health, management and manufacturing. The University is made up of the following Schools: Cranfield Health, School of Management, School of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, and Cranfield Defence and Security at Shrivenham.

Prof Stephen Evans

Professor Stephen Evans spent over 12 years working in industry after graduating from the University of Bath. His initial industrial experience was in a variety of manufacturing engineering roles leading to an emphasis on improving engineering performance. All excellent grounding for tackling complex, real-life problems.Stephen’s last industrial post was Engineering Systems Manager at Martin-Baker Engineering Limited, the world leading manufacturer of ejection seats. He researches and conducts projects with organisations on improving their performance in various dimensions – 1. designing more sustainable products and making them in more sustainable ways, 2. designing, making and serving more efficiently and effectively. These always include aspects of creative and joined up thinking that is a challenge to implement.Stephen has lead or co-lead the first UK EPSRC research projects in the fields of: Concurrent Engineering, Co-development, and Eco-design, plus leading EU projects in Innovation Measurement, Product-Service Systems and Quality Management. He is currently Special Adviser to the House of Lords inquiry into Waste Reduction.

Source: www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk and www.cranfield.ac.uk