Biz. Rec. - Process Changes

Process Changes Pollution Prevention Details for "Doing Our Share for Clean Air" Business Recognition Program

To qualify for Level Two of Spokane Clean Air's Business Recognition Program, a business must implement clean air practicies in three out of five pollution prevention categories, of which process changes is a category.

There are a variety of ways that businesses can further reduce air emissions and improve the efficiency of their work.  Businesses may benefit from reduced manufacturing costs, improved energy efficiency, reduced air emissions, and simplified paperwork, potentially saving money in regulatory fees, as well as in materials and labor.  Resulting benefits vary by business and type and degree of change. 

Source Reduction – in some cases, implementing "source reduction" and other practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of air pollutants allow a business to get below certain emission-reporting thresholds, resulting in reduced registration fees.

Material Substitution – using materials that produce fewer or no hazardous air pollutants or volatile organic compounds, but still result in the same or an improved product, may save a company material costs and/or reduce the administrative burden that comes with compliance.

Manufacturing Method Changes – advancements in manufacturing techniques can often reduce the pollution produced through production process improvements and improved manufacturing efficiency.

Use record keeping to:
1. Monitor, record utility usage, air emissions, hazardous and solid waste generation rates.  Use the data to find areas where you can reduce air emissions, energy usage and waste generation. You can use these records to note an increase, which may alert you to equipment malfunction.

2. Adopt and post reduction goals for use of all toxic materials (e.g., Toxics Reductions List), or for amount of air emissions, wastewater discharges or hazardous waste generated per unit of production.  Use data collected to find and implement three ways you can reduce the use of toxic materials.

3. Adopt an inventory system to avoid leftover, expired or unused materials.