CMER Blog
Alabama E3 Recognizes Participating AL Manufacturing Companies
Awards Given in Economy, Energy, and Environment Categories for Outstanding Sustainability Efforts —
Prattville, Ala., – August 24, 2012 — Three awards commending sustainability efforts made by companies were presented at this year’s Alabama E3 Sustainability Conference held in Montgomery. These awards were presented in three categories- Economy, Energy, and Environment, representing the three areas of the E3 initiative.
Read about NASCAR Green Innovation’s Mike Bailey speaking at AL E3 Conference.
The first award presented was in the Economy category. The recipient of the Economy Award was ZF Industries. ZF Industries was recognized for their significant action to seize the economic opportunities identified as part of the initial E3 assessment. ZF Industries was the very first company to participate in the AL E3 initiative. They participated in four E3 implementation events to help reduce their costs and remain competitive. These efforts ultimately helped them place the most competitive bid and land a large contract supplying Mercedes -Benz’s plant in Vance, Ala.
The second award presented was in the Energy category. The recipient of the Energy Award was Johnson Controls – Cottondale. Johnson Controls -Cottondale was recognized for their significant efforts to reduce their energy usage based on the results of the E3 assessment. JCI-Cottondale had the highest implementation rate for energy reduction practices of the initial 32 companies assessed. They were able to independently implement recommendations as well as hold two additional energy kaizen events allowing for continued energy savings. Johnson Controls -Cottondale was able to reach out in their success and help a sister company participate in the AL E3 initiative as well furthering the efforts of sustainability.
The third award presented was the Environment award. The recipient of the Environment Award was Electricfil. Electricfil was recognized for their significant improvements in environmental stewardship. After the initial E3 assessment, Electricfil partnered with TVA to make energy improvements which have helped to reduce their carbon footprint. They have also conducted kaizen events to optimize their ovens and equipment utilization. Most significant among their improvements has been Electricfil’s movement toward zero landfill. Over the past few years, they have managed to reduce their waste disposal by 97% through material changes, generating less waste, and recycling materials internally by finding partners that can utilize their waste stream. Electricfil has also been instrumental in helping to set up introductions for vendor recommendations for other companies.
In addition, ADECA, The Alabama Power Company, and TVA were recognized as outstanding partners to the Alabama E3 initiative at the conference.
Alabama E3 Partners are composed of federal, state, and local partners who bring various resources together such as technical assistance, customized training, financial support and incentives, professional services, and access to individuals that can enhance E3’s initiatives.
NASCAR Green Innovation’s Mike Bailey Speaks at AL E3 Conference
Prattville, Ala., – August 24, 2012- NASCAR Green Innovation’s Mike Lynch provided insights on NASCAR’s efforts to lead all sports in green initiatives during the AL E3 Conference held August 23 and 24 at the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center at Capitol Hill.
In addition, the Alabama Technology Network and its partners recognized three top Alabama Manufacturing companies involved in the Alabama E3 Sustainability Initiative.
Read more about AL E3 Recognizing Participating AL MFG Companies.
With close to 150 attendees, 12 exhibitors, and 7 conference & meal sponsors involved, the first Alabama E3 conference provided an opportunity for all present to learn more about the initative.
Hyundai Motor America Environmental Manager Danny Blue opened the conference Friday morning by welcoming everyone and provided an update on Hyundai’s environmental efforts. During the two-day conference, attendees were able to take a Hyundai Plant tour, participate in sustainability in manufacturing training sessions, informational workshops, and other activities which assisted in their efforts to reduce wastes in order to increase productivity and profitability for their businesses.
The Alabama E3 Initiative – Economy, Energy, and Environment – was launched in 2009 to help manufacturers in the state adapt and thrive in a new business era focused on sustainability.
The Alabama E3 Program assists manufacturers to increase profits and strengthen their future by implementing efficient production processes, reducing all wastes, lowering costs, growing jobs, and driving innovation.
To date, the program has assisted more than 40 manufacturers in the state and resulted in over $3 million in identified energy saving opportunities and just under $1 million in actual impacts.
To view more photos from the event, click here.
AL E3 Program Participants Achieve Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Certification
Congratulations 1st Graduating Class in State of Alabama!
Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate Program &
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Certificate Exam
Huntsville, Ala., – July 25, 2012 – The first graduating class of the Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate Program – a program offered through Alabama E3, completed their forty-eight hours of modular training focused on key aspects of energy and sustainability in May.
Representatives from five state of Alabama manufacturing companies: AAR Precision Systems, National Packaging Corporation, Navistar, O’Neal Steel, and Sanmina -SCI participated in the green training specifically designed for manufacturers by the Purdue University Technical Assistance program in coordination with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
The attendees received the comprehensive training over six days covering a curriculum that focuses on sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency, water conservation, reuse and recycling, designing for the environment, and how different pollutants affect the environment.
At the completion, the attendees had a choice to complete an on-line review and exam preparation session and then sit for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate (GMSC) exam. Seven attendees completed the over 100 question GMSC exam utilizing testing facilities on the UAHuntsville campus and received passing scores. Lead instructor and AL E3 coordinator of the GMSC program, UAH CMER and ATN staffer Anthony Holden awarded the certifications.
Our Training Photo Gallery – SME GMSC Graduates
For more information about the Green Manufacturing Certificate Program & the SME Certificate Exam — review our Sustainable Solutions training webpage.
The Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate program is part of the Alabama E3 – Economy, Energy, and Environment initiative. AL E3 assists manufacturers to increase profits and strengthen their future by implementing efficient production processes, reducing all wastes, lowering costs, growing jobs and driving innovation.
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