What is Green Manufacturing?

Green manufacturing is the renewal of production processes and the establishment of environmentally-friendly operations within the manufacturing field. Essentially, it is the “greening” of manufacturing, in which workers use fewer natural resources, reduce pollution and waste, recycle and reuse materials, and moderate emissions in their processes.

Green manufacturers research, develop, or utilize technologies and practices to lessen their impact on the environment. As detailed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers at green companies must have specific manufacturing training in green technologies and practices such as:

1. Energy from renewable sources. Workers may generate electricity, heat, or fuel from renewable sources for use within their establishment. These sources may include wind, biomass, geothermal, solar, ocean, hydropower, landfill gas and municipal solid waste.
2. Energy efficiency. Workers will utilize specific technologies and practices to improve energy efficiency within their establishment.
3. Pollution reduction and removal, greenhouse gas reduction, and recycling. Workers will use green technologies and practices to:
   • Reduce or remove the creation or release of pollutants in their operations
   • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
   • Reduce or eliminate the creation of waste materials
   • Collect, reuse, recycle or compost waste materials
4. Natural resources conservation. Workers will use specific technologies and practices to conserve natural resources, such as those related to organic agriculture, land management, and soil, water, or wildlife conservation.

In Goodwin’s Green Manufacturing Courses in CT, students learn about the different practices and technologies needed in a green, clean, and lean working environment. They develop the skills necessary to preserve and restore environmental quality in manufacturing, as well as create a green workplace for their companies. By studying local, state and national green/clean/lean/sustainable resources in these courses, students can truly learn how to prepare for the growing green workforce of the future.