Environmental Initiatives
Carbon Footprint
Although Shape is a privately-held company and is not required to report measures such as our carbon footprint, we proactively commissioned a carbon footprint analysis, conducted to create a benchmark for future carbon footprint reduction activities. The analysis is also a planning and learning tool for key areas of improvement.
Green Suppliers Network Participation
In 2008, Shape joined the Green Suppliers network of West Michigan. The Green Suppliers Network was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC). the network helps manufacturers stay competitive and profitable while reducing their impact on the environment.
Lighting Efficiency
Our sister company, Light Corp., designs and manufactures energy efficient lighting for office and industrial use.
- By using Light Corp. fixtures, our lighting is more natural and consistent, creating a pleasant, healthy and productive work environment.
- Fixtures use 50% less energy per year, resulting in less greenhouse gases expended for energy.
- We save $114 in energy costs per fixture per year, totaling $200,000 in energy savings each year.
- BENEFITS: Reduced carbon footprint and energy use, financial savings, better work environment
Harmless Fluids
Biosolutions, another sister company, formulates and creates environmentally neutral cleaners and coolants.
- By switching to Biosolutions coolants, we reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and associates saw a 50% reduction in skin irritation.
- Biosolutions products are completely biodegradable, with no harmful VOCs, no harm to the ecosystem and no special disposal cost.
- Shape-NetShape saves money and gas on transportation by purchasing concentrated fluids and mixing on-site.
- BENEFITS: Reduce pollution, better work environment, better employee health, financial savings
Launder and Reuse
Where possible, we launder uniforms, gloves, protective sleeves and shop rags.
- By laundering and reusing, we keep usable material out of landfills.
- In 2007, we saved $1.3 million by laundering gloves and sleeves instead of purchasing new products, which prevented over 200,000 items from being sent to landfills.
- The environmental impact of laundering is less than that of manufacturing new products.
- BENEFITS: Reduce pollution, financial savings
Waste Not
With the goal of sending zero waste to landfills, Shape-NetShape recycles wherever possible.
- We recycle100% of all scrap material, totaling approximately 48 million pounds of steel scrap in 2007.
- Recycled materials include: steel, cardboard, pallets, office paper, packaging, toner, electronics, misc. metals/alloys, steel containers, and various fluids and oils.
- Recycling makes sound economic sense. The money Shape-NetShape receives from recycled materials and saves from landfill costs offsets the expense of recycling.
- BENEFITS: Reduce pollution, financial savings
Paperless Initiative
With our new Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) system, manufacturing and office operations are becoming paperless.
- Associates can view the same information online rather than printing and updating multiple copies.
- An IKON study in 2006 showed that Shape, on average, uses less paper than other similar companies – before our new ERP system was installed!
- BENEFITS: Reduce pollution, financial savings
Emission Reduction
We have several initiatives underway to reduce harmful emissions in our plants and processes.
- Shapes successful Brakleen initiative reduced the use of this solvent from a catch-all cleaner at 4,000 cans a year to a specialized tool with limited use at 281 cans a year.
- Our powder coat and e-coat facilities are low VOC, earth-friendly processes.
- Our specialized control process eliminates harmful emissions from the painting process.
- BENEFITS: Reduce pollution, better work environment, better employee health, financial savings
Reduce Energy Use
To reduce energy usage, minimize the impact of spiraling energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint, Shape is pursuing several projects.
- Light sensors that automatically turn off lights when they are not being used reduces lighting energy consumption by 10%.
- Energy use reduction is a key environmental initiative for 2009.
- BENEFITS: Reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, financial savings