Green Engineering: Material Management Materials management, at its core, is a procedure which guarantees that the correct materials get to the appropriate individuals at the right time.Materials management can also be pertained as asset management, hardware management, property management, and material handling. How material management is alluded to and how it is defined can change depending on the industry (Inbound Logistics, 2022). The article on Inbound Logistics (2022) stated that when executed well, materials management can be transformative for manufacturers and other industries. There are innumerable advantages, many of which are industry-specific. Some benefits are more pervasive, however, such as the ability to perform just-in-time inventory control, reduce material waste, increase inventory accuracy, and optimize material transport. On the other hand, “Green engineering materials management” involves the efficient and sustainable handling of materials throughout their lifecycle, from extraction to disposal or recycling. It aims to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and reduce waste by employing practices such as material substitution, recycling, and waste reduction strategies. Also, according to the Indeed Career Guide (2022), “Materials management entails finding better and safer materials for diverse engineering purposes, particularly in product design and manufacturing. Engineers may identify new and safer materials or invent options to integrate into their plans and find better and more efficient production methods.” Choosing Materials Choosing materials in green engineering materials management involves selecting substances that have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. This includes considering factors such as renewable sourcing, recyclability, energy efficiency during production, and potential for pollution or toxicity. Materials like recycled metals, sustainable wood, and biodegradable plastics are examples of eco-friendly choices. Additionally, conducting lifecycle assessments helps evaluate the environmental footprint of materials before making decisions. Choosing green materials is essential for sustainable construction and minimizing environmental impact. Here are some ways and criteria to consider: 1. Sustainability: Look for materials that are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable. Renewable materials like bamboo, cork, and sustainably harvested wood are good options. 2. Energy Efficiency: Consider materials that help in reducing energy consumption during production, transportation, and use. This includes materials with high thermal insulation properties like cellulose insulation or insulated concrete forms (ICFs). 3. Low Environmental Impact: Evaluate the environmental footprint of materials, including their carbon emissions, water usage, and pollution generated during production and disposal. 4. Recycled Content: Choose materials made from recycled content, such as recycled steel, glass, or plastic. Using recycled materials reduces the demand for virgin resources and keeps waste out of landfills. 5. Durability: Opt for materials that have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance. Durable materials like metal roofing, stone countertops, and concrete flooring can reduce the need for frequent replacements. 6. Local Sourcing: Prioritize materials that are sourced locally to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy. Locally sourced materials also tend to have lower embodied energy. 7. Non-Toxicity: Select materials that are free from harmful chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants. Look for certifications like GREENGUARD or Cradle to Cradle (C2C) to ensure indoor air quality. 8. Water Efficiency: Choose materials that conserve water during production and use. This includes low-flow plumbing fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping materials, and permeable paving. 9. Certifications: Check for third-party certifications and eco-labels that validate a material's environmental claims. Examples include Energy Star, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). 10. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Conduct a life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of materials from extraction to disposal. This holistic approach considers the entire life cycle of a material, helping to make informed decisions. By considering these criteria, you can select green materials that contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly building project. Recycling Recycling is a crucial aspect of green engineering materials management. It involves collecting, processing, and reusing materials to minimize waste and conserve resources. In the recycling process, materials such as paper, glass, plastic, and metals are sorted, cleaned, and transformed into new products or raw materials. By recycling, we reduce the need for virgin resources, conserve energy, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with extraction and manufacturing processes. Recycling green materials is essential for sustainability. Here are some ways to do it: 1. Composting: Turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for gardens. 2. Mulching: Use shredded green materials like leaves and grass clippings as mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture in gardens. 3. Biofuel Production: Convert green waste into biofuels such as biodiesel or ethanol. 4. Upcycling: Reuse materials creatively, such as turning old wooden pallets into furniture or using glass bottles as decorative items. 5. Biodegradable Packaging: Choose products and packaging made from biodegradable materials that can easily break down after use. 6. Textile Recycling: Donate or recycle old clothing and textiles to give them new life rather than sending them to landfills. 7. Renewable Energy Production: Some green materials, like agricultural residues, can be used to generate renewable energy through processes like anaerobic digestion or biomass combustion. These methods help reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact. An example implementation of this is the Zero Waste project by the Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Department of Public Works, where they came together to develop the Zero Waste Event Guide! It is making it easier for people to reuse, recycle, or properly dispose of paint, electronics, and batteries by passing laws that require producers to develop systems to pay for and manage the end-of-life of their products guided by the following details: Batteries: Call2Recycle, the District’s battery stewardship organization launched the nation’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) all battery recycling program on November 1, 2023. Consumers in the District can now drop-off household batteries for recycling at designated sites throughout the city. Producers of covered batteries and battery-containing products must learn about their responsibilities and register. Paint: PaintCare, Inc., a nonprofit organization representing paint manufacturers, has implemented a Paint Stewardship Program Plan in the District. District residents and businesses have many options to properly manage leftover paint and to ensure the value is recovered. PaintCare establishes used paint collections through retail drop-off locations, one-day paint dropoff events, and large volume pick-up services for anyone with more than 100 gallons of paint. Producers and retailers may only sell architectural paint in the District that is registered with PaintCare. Manufacturers of certain electronics that are sold in the District must provide opportunities for people in the District to recycle electronic waste generated in the city. Moreover, they advocate that: Residents - Learn how to recycle your electronics. Manufacturers - Learn about manufacturer registration and collection requirements. Retailers - Learn about the responsibility of retailers. Resources - Find important documents related to eCYCLE DC. Recycling may vary depending on the industry and to the implementation of one country. Nonetheless, implementing effective recycling programs and supporting the use of recycled materials in products are key strategies in sustainable materials management. Reference Links: https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/materials-management/ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-green-engineering https://doee.dc.gov/service/sustainable-materials-management
