The International Trade Administration proposes to organize a ``Green Manufacturing Day'', aimed at enhancing public/private interaction in the field of sustainable manufacturing. This notice seeks public input on areas of interest for discussion at the proposed “Green Manufacturing Day'.”
Sustainable manufacturing has garnered increasing attention among the manufacturing industry as firms have recognized its cost-effectiveness and profitability. For the purposes of this notice, “sustainable manufacturing” is defined as the creation of manufactured products that use processes that are non-polluting, conserve energy and natural resources, are economically sound, and safe for employees, communities, and consumers. At this early stage in sustainable manufacturing’s development, increased public/private interaction can be an effective means for government and industry to:
a) identify the opportunities and challenges faced by manufacturers in pursuing sustainable production practices; and,
b) promote capacitybuilding among individual firms and industry sectors as a whole.
The purpose of the proposed “Green Manufacturing Day”, tentatively scheduled for September 2007, will be to:
1) Disseminate and promote best business practices in sustainable manufacturing;
2) assist small and medium-sized enterprises in identifying and implementing practical sustainable manufacturing solutions;
3) provide information on relevant emerging technologies;
4) educate participants on federal government efforts to promote sustainable manufacturing; and,
5) provide information on international sustainable manufacturing initiatives, projects and opportunities.
The event will include presenters/speakers from a variety of stakeholder groups (i.e. private sector, government and academia) on a variety of topics relating to sustainable manufacturing.
Topic areas covered may include, but are not limited to, industrial recycling, natural resource conservation, water supply and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, hazardous waste management, environmental assessment, environmental accounting, lean and clean manufacturing, regulatory compliance, renewable energy, remanufacturing, refurbishing/reconditioning, environmental technology research and development, and air pollution control.
In preparation for the proposed event, the U.S. Department of Commerce is requesting feedback from the public on the following:
Specific feedback on the following will also be welcome:
For more information, contact William McElnea at 202-482-2831.