The challenge of minimizing the carbon footprint in the electronics sector is considerable, especially for established manufacturers who may be hesitant to move away from traditional practices. Globally, increasing pressure from governments and consumers is prompting these manufacturers to assume more responsibility for their emissions.
In this light, electronics companies are finding it imperative to adopt sustainable practices and reduce emissions. This includes the use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient production methods, and designing devices that consume less energy during operation. Recycling materials and establishing circular economy models, which aim to minimize waste and prolong the lifespan of electronic products, are also crucial strategies.
Despite these motivations, there remains a reluctance among some firms to alter their manufacturing processes, often due to concerns over initial costs and the need to disclose emissions. However, transitioning to low-emission manufacturing and embracing material recycling can lead to long-term benefits like reduced energy costs, less waste management, and streamlined operations. With environmental regulations expected to become more stringent, early adoption of these practices positions companies advantageously for future changes.
Electronics manufacturing: A realm of sustainable opportunities
One of the most impactful opportunities in sustainable electronics manufacturing lies in integrating sustainability into product design. This approach can determine up to 80% of a product's eventual carbon footprint. Designers, engineers, and purchasers play pivotal roles in identifying cost and emission factors early in the product's lifecycle, influencing its entire value chain. Utilizing analytics to assess a product's cost and environmental impact at each development stage is the most effective strategy, enhancing transparency, enabling informed decisions, and shaping robust CO2e emission reduction strategies.
Siemens' Teamcenter Carbon Footprint Calculator, a component of the Teamcenter Product Cost Management solution, adopts a detailed, bottom-up approach for CO2e emission analysis. It covers the entire product value chain, from raw or recycled material extraction and precursor manufacturing to final product production (cradle-to-gate). This tool not only provides a breakdown of carbon footprint but also a cost analysis, identifying opportunities to reduce both carbon footprint and product costs throughout the value chain. By conducting analysis at a detailed level, companies can employ eco-design strategies such as resource-efficient design or design for recycling, integrating ecological considerations into every stage of the product lifecycle.
The tool allows simulations on various factors like material substitution, weight reduction, increased recycling ratios, and manufacturing process optimization, utilizing a comprehensive database with CO2e emission values for materials and energy mixes from different countries and regions.
Regulatory factors, including carbon taxation, are increasingly influencing sustainable design. Siemens' carbon footprint calculator factors in such taxes, encouraging transparency in product carbon footprint.
Siemens' carbon footprint calculations align with standards set by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), European Standard (EN), and ISO 14067, as well as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Standard.
While the task of reducing the carbon footprint of an entire industry is daunting, the current incentives and opportunities facilitate this transition for companies.