Evaluation of Environmental Performance of a Power Machine Manufacturer via Eco-efficiency Index

• Main Authors: Hsien-Shun Hsieh, 謝憲順
• Other Authors: Mu-Pin Chang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/70427441752155483276

碩士 === 國立中央大學 === 環境工程研究所碩士在職專班 === 100 === Companies are executing all types of environmental protection systems and continuously improving them on the way, but the results aren’t always successful. Whether the systems actually have positive impact on the economy, the society and the environment is worth investigating. This study data from an environmental management system implemented for many years by a company. The data is compared to an index published by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) on energy efficiency, usage of water resources, waste material and percentage of recyclable material. Than the information is used to evaluate whether the system contributes to a sustainable environment. According to the results, investing in increasing equipment efficiency adds costs, but with proper management, it has a positive impact on the environment and the economy. Costs will be affected by market prices if there’s a dependency on a single energy source. The concept of water recycling is not mature enough to cover the added cost, but compared to other resources, water usage isn’t affected by the number of employees. If measures are taken to minimize water pollution and usage, the cost will be even or lowered. The usefulness of the environmental index depends on analysis of the results. A graph can be used to see the long-term affects of environmental protection systems, and used to improve future implementations. It can also be used as a reference point on the company’s anti-pollution and environmental protection efforts. During long-term evaluation, if the data logged is not comprehensive, the results will vary substantially and cause misunderstandings. The results of anti-pollution measures are most significant in product and equipment design. But in reality, more companies prefer improving the manufacturing process and machinery efficiency, and in this category, modifying the manufacturing process, optimization of the manufacturing environment and renewing machinery are more commonly implemented. The investment and payback of environmental protection systems are most evident before or during the implementation, but most people overlook the potential effects afterwards, so the analysis on the impact of the system is crucial. The environmental protection systems companies previously implemented should be integrated with evaluation of positive environmental and social impact, and create an environmental database fit for any organization.