Maturity Model Concepts for Sustainable Manufacturing

Abstract

Sustainability has been identified as an emerging business megatrend that companies across the spectrum need to respond to. Companies in the manufacturing industry have also increased their efforts in this direction. However, the efforts for improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes vary widely across the industry and may vary even within different locations of a large manufacturing organization. This paper reviews major initiatives and research relevant to developing and providing guidance for organizations interested in sustainable manufacturing. A concept is proposed for a maturity model to assist manufacturers with understanding the status of their efforts for sustainable manufacturing specifically focusing on materials, energy, and water use. The concept is being presented to gather inputs from relevant stakeholders and for further development into a model that provides high-level guidance to manufacturers for improving sustainability of their operations.

Sustainable Manufacturing Strategies Adopted by ConstructionEquipment Manufacturing Industries in India

“…Veleva et al (2000) [1] argued and highlighted about the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production proposing the following five levels of sustainable production indicators: level 1, facility compliance/conformance indicators; level 2, facility material use and performance indicators; level 3, facility effect indicators; level 4, supply chain and product life cycle indicators; and level 5, sustainable system indicators. Further, Jain and Rachuri (2014) [5] suggested a five-level sustainability manufacturing maturity model: level 0 (initial), limited or no effort for moving sustainability; level 1 (compliant), environmental management system implemented and audited; level 2 (baselined), indicator base values captured using standard methods; level 3 (improved), indicators halfway to the best in class from base values; level 4, indicators among the best in class. Ellenbecker (2001 and2000) [6,7] also suggested a methodology for promoting and measuring companies' performance based on a set of Core and Supplemental Indicators of Sustainable Production (ISPs) on an indicator framework developed at the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production (LCSP).…”

“…LCSP formulated nine guiding principles that lay the principles for sustainable production and sustainable indicator framework. These are (1) safe and ecologically sound products and packaging; (2) reduced, eliminated or recycled waste; (3) conservation of energy and materials; (4) hazards to human health and environment continuously reduced or eliminated during manufacturing and use; (5) workplaces are safe to minimise or eliminate physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards; (6) management commitment to open, participatory process for continuous improvement for long-term economic performance; (7) enhanced efficiency and creativity of employees; (8) priority to security and wellbeing of all employees, development of their talents and capacities; and (9) respect for communities around with equity and fairness. Poveda and Young (2014) [8] for implementing environmental and sustainability rating argued and emphasised to measure reduction of environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of product including its manufacture.…”