The Security Risks of Using Outdated Drone Firmware

Farmers are revolutionizing their approach to crop management with the growing adoption of drones in agriculture. From monitoring fields to optimizing irrigation and even applying fertilizers, drones bring efficiency to farming tasks like never before.

However, neglecting to update their firmware can leave farmers vulnerable to various security and operational risks. These are the security risks of using outdated drone firmware.  

Vulnerability to Malware  

Outdated drone firmware provides an open door for malware. Hackers often target older systems because they are vulnerable. A compromised drone can lead to unauthorized access, allowing bad actors to disrupt operations or steal valuable information. 

Hackers could even alter the drone’s functionality, rendering it ineffective at crucial moments. Protecting against malware is essential for uninterrupted, secure farming practices.  

Data Breaches  

If your drone’s firmware is outdated, you expose sensitive farm data to significant risks. Drones gather a wealth of information, from soil health data to crop conditions and planting patterns. Weak security measures in older firmware can make the systems storing this data susceptible to breaches. 

Stolen data could end up in the wrong hands, jeopardizing competitive advantages or business partnerships. Updated firmware is vital for strengthening the security of your drones.  

Operational Glitches  

Outdated firmware can also lead to operational glitches that might disrupt your workflow. Critical actions like crop spraying or surveying fields often require precise drone performance. Old firmware might struggle to communicate properly with the device or execute commands efficiently, leading to errors or downtime during high-stakes tasks. 

Reliable drones are one piece of equipment driving sustainable agriculture, but you can’t realize the full benefits if systems fail due to outdated software.  

Compliance Issues  

Regulations around drone use in agriculture are becoming stricter. Many countries require drones to have the latest firmware to meet legal standards for security and performance. Operating drones without current updates risk fines and might invalidate insurance claims. 

Compliance matters are about more than following rules. Farmers need to stay up-to-date to signify professionalism and a dedication to responsible operations.  

Firmware updates are essential for securing your farm’s data, ensuring smooth drone performance, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. You should update your drone’s firmware regularly to avoid these potential challenges.

Protecting your investment in agricultural technology is as simple as making firmware updates a routine part of your farm’s operations. Stay ahead, stay secure, and keep your drones ready to perform when you need them most.

How Wildland Firefighters Protect Natural Resources

Wildland firefighters are more than first responders to raging infernos; they are stewards of the environment, tasked with safeguarding ecosystems, wildlife, and precious natural resources. Their work prevents the loss of human life and property and ensures the delicate ecological balance remains intact. 

How wildland firefighters protect natural resources is an intricate process involving prevention, strategic responses, and ecological restoration, all of which contribute to preserving the natural world for future generations. 

Preventing Catastrophic Wildfires 

Wildland firefighters dedicate significant effort to reducing the risk of large-scale, high-intensity fires, which can devastate ecosystems. Prescribed burns, thinning vegetation, and creating firebreaks are essential in reducing hazardous fuels.

These actions control the size and spread of fires before they escalate, protecting vital natural habitats and minimizing destruction. Firefighters help ecosystems remain resilient and functional by maintaining controlled fire activity, preventing permanent damage to biodiversity. 

Tactical and Strategic Responses 

Firefighters rely on strategic knowledge of fire behavior and apply methods, such as direct and indirect attacks, when faced with an active wildfire. Direct attacks involve extinguishing flames at their source, while indirect methods allow the controlled burning of vegetation to slow fire progression. 

How wildland firefighters protect the land during these crises is a delicate balance. They weigh suppression tactics against the long-term needs of ecosystems, ensuring minimal disruption while controlling the fire’s impact. Wildland crews strive to suppress fires strategically, respecting the intricate relationship between nature and fire. 

Protecting Wildlife and Habitats 

Wildfires can drastically alter landscapes, often displacing wildlife and destroying the ecosystems they depend on.

Wildland firefighters understand these risks and work with the intention of limiting environmental disruption during suppression. Avoiding sensitive nesting areas or adjusting line placement preserves vital wildlife corridors even in high-pressure scenarios. 

Understanding how wildfires impact wildlife and their habitats underscores why these calculated decisions matter, especially when every acre counts toward ecological recovery.

Rehabilitation After the Fire 

Long after the flames are extinguished, firefighters’ commitment to the environment continues. They play a crucial role in post-fire recovery efforts, including erosion control to stabilize soil, reseeding native plants to kickstart regeneration, and protecting water resources from contamination.

This rehabilitation work helps ecosystems bounce back while preventing invasive species from overtaking fragile areas. 

Supporting a Healthier Planet 

Wildland firefighters do more than battle flames—they actively contribute to long-term environmental health. Through fuel management, habitat preservation, and post-fire restoration, they reinforce natural resilience and support ecosystems under pressure.

These actions reflect a deeper commitment to sustainability, and one of the ways wildland firefighters can help the environment is by leading efforts that align with broader climate and conservation goals. 

Their work echoes many principles found in everyday environmental practices, creating a shared responsibility between those on the fireline and the communities they protect.

Firefighters as Stewards of the Land 

How wildland firefighters protect natural resources embody a profound sense of duty, protecting not just people but the landscapes and wildlife that define our planet. Through prevention, strategic action, and ecological restoration, they champion the preservation of ecosystems for future generations.

Their work is a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world, making their role as stewards of the wild indispensable.

Circular Innovation: Why Products Designed for Disassembly Are Leading the Green Revolution

Sustainability is a common practice across industries, with many prioritizing it within every inch of their operations. One concept gaining traction across sectors is the design for disassembly (DfD) in product development.

This forward-thinking approach influences manufacturers and engineers to create products companies can easily break down at the end of their life cycle and reuse or repurpose them to minimize environmental impact. 

Design for disassembly is a sustainable solution and paves the way for products and places made to last.

What Is Design for Disassembly?

Designing for disassembly is a strategy rooted in circular design principles. It promotes creating products, systems and buildings people can easily take apart to reuse, recycle or repurpose instead of sending them to a landfill. 

By considering disassembly from the earliest stages of design, manufacturers and architects can greatly reduce waste, conserve resources and lower embodied carbon.

In traditional design methods, manufacturers often prioritize durability over considering end-of-life outcomes. Meanwhile, DfD focuses on planned reversibility, making teardown and sorting straightforward. 

Why Designing for Disassembly Matters for Sustainability

In today’s linear economy, what happens after a product is no longer useful often becomes an afterthought. As a result, many industries contribute massively to waste, placing a heavy burden on landfills.

The construction sector is one of the biggest contributors. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the industry generated more than 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris in 2018 alone. 

Designing for disassembly offers a practical solution to this growing issue. Instead of discarding materials, industries can reconfigure or reintegrate components into new products or projects, reducing the need for new materials.

This strategy also supports lower carbon emissions by minimizing the energy-intensive processes involved in the following:

> Manufacturing

> Extraction

> Disposal

Whether designing for electric vehicles, buildings or consumer electronics, designing for disassembly aligns closely with global goals for circularity, zero waste and sustainable development.

Examples of Components Used in DfD

Designing for disassembly starts at the component level. The way a product or structure goes together determines how easily a person can take it apart, and it begins with choosing the right connections and fasteners:

> Fasteners: Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, clips and snap-fit connections, make it possible to separate parts without damaging them. Commonly used materials include stainless steel, nickel alloys or aluminum due to their corrosion resistance and recyclability.

> Joints and connections: Components rely on standardized, removable joints and allow for reassembly with minimal effort — making repair or reuse more viable. This is especially important in complex structures, where walls, flooring panels and mechanical systems can separate without generating unnecessary waste.

> Modular components: These parts are easily swappable without disturbing the entire system. In architecture, this could mean demountable wall panels or raised access flooring. In electronics, modularity allows for easy replacement or reuse of battery packs or screens in different models, extending product lifespans.

In architecture, design for disassembly is already proving its value. During a typical renovation, more than 75% of building materials are still reusable, but much of them are discarded because their design prevents them from being removed cleanly. When constructing buildings with mechanical joinery and modular elements, those components enable reintegration into future projects, reducing the demand for virgin resources.

Examples and Case Studies of Design for Disassembly

Across industries, many companies and institutions are putting DfD into practice. Explore design for disassembly examples below.

Aluminaire House in Palm Springs, California

A landmark in modular architecture is the Aluminaire House, which was built in 1931 from prefabricated aluminum and steel and has been disassembled and reassembled at least four times over the decades. Its recent relocation to Palm Springs shows how thoughtful design can make buildings more mobile, reusable and enduring.

Framework Laptop

Framework Computer has developed modular, longer-lasting laptops. Users can easily replace or upgrade key components, such as the motherboard, battery and ports.

In addition to hardware design, Framework incorporates a more sustainable material, such as Makrolon RE, a polycarbonate with up to 89% bio-circular content, requiring up to 50% fewer fossil fuels. This approach shows how much design and material choices can work together to support a circular economy.

Use Sustainable Building Products

Designing for disassembly forces companies to rethink how they build, manufacture and consume with the end in mind. With this part of the design process making sustainable innovation possible, industries and cities can push further toward a circular economy. As such, they can lead the way to a brighter, greener future.

How Farms Are Optimizing Water Usage in 2025

Water usage has become one of the biggest sustainability challenges in global agriculture. Shifts in weather patterns, growing populations, and shrinking groundwater reserves have raised the stakes.

Farms now face increasing pressure to manage resources without compromising output or ecological responsibility. As 2025 unfolds, farms everywhere have adopted smarter, more resilient ways to conserve and control water use.

Adopting Precision Irrigation Technologies

One way farms are optimizing water usage in 2025 involves using precision tools that reduce runoff and eliminate overwatering. Precision irrigation systems now deliver water with timing and accuracy once impossible in traditional farming.

Tools like drip lines, soil moisture sensors, and automated valves allow targeted applications that limit waste and support healthier plant growth. Farms no longer rely on guesswork or outdated schedules when deciding when and how much to irrigate.

Data-driven irrigation systems adjust in real-time based on zone needs and crop demands. Meanwhile, technology allows operators to adapt on a per-acre basis rather than watering entire fields uniformly.

Installing Water-Resilient Infrastructure

Infrastructure upgrades help farms manage water more effectively during both drought and flooding conditions. Durable piping systems, backup pumps, and on-site storage tanks provide greater reliability in areas where rainfall and supply fluctuate. Better system design also minimizes loss through leaks and uneven distribution.

One way farms are optimizing water usage is by making water systems more resilient, especially where resources remain unpredictable. Farms now approach water delivery like a utility network, planning for disruptions and installing components that perform under stress. Redundancy and control now define the new standard.

Adding Retention Ponds and Water Features

Another way farms are optimizing water usage in 2025 includes building natural buffers that store and reuse water while restoring environmental balance. Retention ponds are important parts of green infrastructure for farms because they reduce runoff by capturing excess rainfall and surface water.

Farms use them to store water during wet periods and redistribute it during dry spells without taxing natural waterways. These ponds also promote groundwater recharge and prevent downstream flooding.

Water features contribute to biodiversity, cooling, and ecosystem restoration on agricultural land. Farms integrate ponds and channels into broader green infrastructure plans. 

Recycling and Reusing On-Site Water

Farms now repurpose water from cleaning, runoff, and roof collection for non-potable uses like field irrigation and dust control. Sediment basins and filtration systems remove solids before recycled water reenters circulation. By reducing the demand on freshwater sources, reuse strategies also cut utility costs.

Facilities that wash produce or livestock equipment now capture water for secondary use on property. Closed-loop systems keep more water in operation and reduce reliance on external supply.

Using Drought-Resistant Crops and Cover Strategies

Crop selection plays a major role in long-term water efficiency. Drought-tolerant species require less irrigation while maintaining strong yields, even in unpredictable seasons. Shorter growth cycles and deeper root structures also improve performance under pressure.

Cover crops keep soil moist and stable between harvests by limiting erosion, shading the ground, and improving retention of seasonal precipitation. Healthier soil structures retain more moisture and require less supplemental watering over time.

Smarter systems, stronger materials, and better choices all contribute to a future of agricultural sustainability. Farms that focus on water conservation support more than their own land—they help protect shared global resources. Every gallon saved moves us one step closer to a resilient, balanced food system.

8 Main Drivers of Sustainability in Health Care

By Beth Rush

Health industry experts are taking the Hippocratic oath outside of their clinics. The concept of doing no harm to patients can apply to each practice’s environmental effects, given how climate change adversely affects all living things’ well-being.

You may see more sustainability in health care services in your hometown as medical professionals adopt the same perspective. Discover the initiatives gaining the most attention to uncover what you might see at your doctor’s office.

1. Energy Efficiency Resources

Supplies that use less electricity are easy to find. Clinics and hospitals can invest in budget-friendly options like light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. LED lighting uses 75% less energy than incandescent alternatives, immediately making any space more eco-friendly.

Appliances that minimize their electricity usage and smart thermostats are simple upgrades that reduce any property’s power bill, minimizing its emissions even if it operates around the clock.

2. Remote Monitoring Capabilities

People have to burn fossil fuels to access in-person medical care. Although the planetary effects of an annual checkup are minimal, other patients need continual appointments for long-term care. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has become one of the leading drivers behind sustainability in health care because it addresses that common need.

Doctors can log into their RPM tools to observe a patient’s vital signs whenever necessary. The equipment can even read vital signs from up to eight feet away, so patients don’t always have to remain attached to the machinery.

Patients won’t need to burn fossil fuels to reach checkup appointments. They can also get medical attention anytime, streamlining their care and reducing wait times at overcrowded clinics or hospitals.

3. Waste Management Options

U.S. health care facilities generate around 5.9 million tons of waste annually, which fills landfills quickly. While some contaminated waste isn’t reusable, others could become recycled goods. Paper, plastic containers and glass bottles can reach recycling facilities if health care centers partner with local waste management companies.

The extra step can improve the planetary impact of any medical clinic or hospital, especially as recycling centers become more widely available in both urban and rural areas.

4. Eco-Friendly Procurement Partnerships

Medical professionals depend on reliable procurement processes to stock the materials they need. Unfortunately, you may find chemical supplies in clinics that don’t partner with eco-friendly suppliers.

Ask your health care providers how they approach their procurement partnerships. Many industry leaders are turning to environmentally friendly products to improve their services for their patients and the planet.

5. Water Conservation Possibilities

Water is crucial in health care settings. Hospitals use an average of 140 cubic meters daily for washing supplies, treating patients and providing cafeteria services. Eliminating that need isn’t possible, but health care teams can reduce their usage to offer more sustainable operational standards.

Low-flow faucets and rainwater harvesting are two opportunities for long-term results. Improved plumbing maintenance can make systems more efficient as well. Depending on that location’s needs and budget, you could see similar updates at your doctor’s office.

6. Green Construction Projects

Medical teams with bigger budgets may schedule eco-friendly renovations. Upgraded buildings drive sustainability in health care because numerous green construction possibilities exist. Adding more windows would make it easier to depend on natural lighting during the brightest times of the day.

Installing solar panels, energy-efficient windows and even greener concrete in parking lots are all possibilities you could see at health care facilities in your hometown.

7. Lower Carbon Transportation

Transportation methods are foundational parts of medical services. Ambulances help people access medical care daily, but they generate around 22 kilograms of carbon emissions per call response. Other transportation options, like parking lot buses at large hospitals, also contribute carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere.

Solutions are available due to improving technology. You might ride an electric bus around a hospital parking lot the next time you visit a recovering loved one. Electric and hybrid ambulances are also becoming more widely available.

Even lower carbon shipping methods support green initiatives in the medical industry, although those may be harder to spot if you’re not actively involved in the procurement process.

8. Rising Consumer Interest

Research shows that 78% of Americans favor a sustainable lifestyle, and that means they’ll likely choose services aligning with those green values. Industry leaders know that green projects attract a large potential patient base, so they’re making industry updates to appeal to those consumers.

While those providers save more money on their electricity and water bills, they also stand to gain more revenue from sustainably minded patients who book appointments with them.

Enacting eco-friendly clinic updates is good for business in numerous ways, which may encourage more providers in your hometown to do the same.

Anticipate Evolving Sustainability in Health Care

People will stay healthier when the planet is a better place to live. As you learn about the ongoing fight against global warming, you can look for greener medical services in your region.

Many clinics and hospitals are becoming more eco-friendly to save money, appeal to additional patients, and support everyone’s well-being between appointments. If you know what to look for, you’ll understand how much progress is happening in your local medical community.

About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!

How Electric Vehicles Are Changing Transportation for Students and Cities

Electric vehicles (EVs) like Tesla have become an essential part of the global transportation landscape, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered cars. Their rise in popularity is due to their sleek designs and the environmental benefits they bring.

Switching to EVs not only helps preserve the environment but also results in long-term savings on fuel costs. As a result, EVs are increasingly becoming a common sight on roads around the world. For instance, during a trip through Silicon Valley in 2019, the prevalence of Teslas was striking.

As we look toward future cities, it’s clear that electric vehicles will be a dominant presence. The demand for EVs continues to rise, driving innovation within the industry. This demand has also spurred growth in the necessary infrastructure to support the widespread use of EVs, from charging stations to vehicle maintenance services.

The electric and hybrid vehicle market is expanding rapidly. According to JP Morgan, by 2025, nearly 30% of vehicles sold will be electric or hybrid. This shift is transforming the automotive industry and driving advancements in sustainable transportation. CNBC predicts that by 2030, the number of electric vehicles worldwide will soar from 3 million to 125 million—equivalent to one vehicle per person in Japan, the 11th most populous country in the world.

So, what does the future of mobility look like? Industry leaders, such as STMicroelectronics and Plug and Play, are working to gather key players who will shape the future of transportation.

Education and Sustainability

As sustainability becomes an integral part of education, it is essential for students to understand the role that electric vehicles play in addressing environmental challenges. Many colleges are incorporating renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies into their curricula, offering students opportunities to engage with cutting-edge innovations. This focus on sustainability equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the green economy. For students preparing for higher education, using services like a college application essay writing service can help them articulate their passion for sustainability and environmental action in their application essays.

Trends in the Electric Car Industry

The electric vehicle sector continues to evolve with technological innovations. One exciting development is the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) market, projected to reach a value of $4.5 billion by 2024, showing strong growth potential.

Battery Longevity

One of the key innovations underway in the EV sector is the development of advanced battery technology. These improvements in lithium-ion battery cathodes could lead to lower costs and increased value for consumers, making electric vehicles more affordable than traditional gasoline-powered cars within the next decade.

Electric Car Monopolization

With lower battery costs, the price of electric vehicles is expected to decrease significantly. In the coming years, we may see an industry-wide shift toward fully electric cars, phasing out hybrids. Many car manufacturers plan to make this transition within the next five to seven years in response to the depletion of fossil fuels. The energy innovation modeling suggests that by 2050, electric vehicles will make up 65 to 75% of all newly manufactured vehicles in the U.S.

The Many Advantages of Electric Cars

Environmental Benefits

The environmental impact of electric vehicles is one of the primary reasons for their growing popularity. With global warming becoming an urgent concern, it is increasingly important for consumers to adopt renewable energy and sustainable transportation options. Pollution, which is a major contributor to global health problems, is one of the main drivers behind the adoption of electric vehicles. Studies show that emissions from traditional vehicles cause severe health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases. In the U.S., motor vehicles are responsible for 75% of carbon monoxide pollution, and transportation contributes to 27% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Long-Term Financial Savings

In addition to environmental benefits, electric vehicles provide long-term financial advantages. Electricity is a more affordable alternative to gasoline, and EVs reduce dependency on fossil fuels. In 2021, the U.S. used nearly nine billion barrels of oil, with two-thirds of this used for transportation. With electricity being domestically produced, electric vehicles help reduce reliance on foreign oil and provide a more sustainable and cost-effective energy source.

Electric Vehicle Concerns

Range Anxiety

A key concern for potential EV buyers is range anxiety—the fear of running out of charge during a trip. While the average electric car can travel around 100 miles per charge, this can be a barrier for some consumers. However, many car manufacturers are working to address this issue with innovations such as longer-lasting batteries and more frequent charging stations.

Charging Infrastructure

The growth of charging stations is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Currently, apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint are helping drivers locate the nearest charging stations. While there are over 66,000 charging stations across the U.S., the infrastructure still needs to expand to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles expected on the road in the coming years.

Charging Time

Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, which can be refueled in minutes, electric vehicles take longer to charge. Even with fast-charging stations, it can take up to an hour to recharge an electric vehicle fully. This slower charging process is a concern for some, but as infrastructure and technology improve, this issue will likely be mitigated.

Short-Term Financial Costs

While electric vehicles provide long-term savings, the upfront cost is still higher than that of traditional vehicles. For example, the Tesla Model 3, one of the most affordable EVs, costs about 19% more than the average new car in the U.S. However, as battery technology improves and production scales up, prices are expected to decrease.

How Electric Vehicles Are Benefiting Students and Cities

Electric vehicles are not only changing transportation but also offering significant advantages for students and cities alike. Students who rely on public transit or car-sharing services will see improved access to clean and sustainable transportation. Universities are also beginning to adopt electric vehicle fleets for their campus shuttle systems, reducing their carbon footprint and setting an example for students to follow.

Cities are investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, such as charging stations and car-sharing programs, to make EVs more accessible to residents. By prioritizing electric vehicles, cities can reduce air pollution, improve public health, and foster a more sustainable future.

With the growing importance of sustainability, students can also turn to generate a unique essay in minutes to streamline their academic writing process, allowing them more time to focus on other aspects of their education.

Conclusion

The transition to electric vehicles is a pivotal development in the fight against climate change. As the number of EVs on the road increases, they will significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and drive us toward a more sustainable future.

With advancements in technology, infrastructure, and affordability, electric vehicles are set to revolutionize how we travel, benefiting not only cities but also students who are the leaders of tomorrow’s sustainability efforts. The future of transportation is electric, and it’s crucial that we embrace this change for the sake of our planet and our communities.

Top Green Living Tips for Renters and Homeowners

Renters and homeowners alike can make impactful changes in their daily lives to reduce their environmental footprint. The following guide highlights the top green living tips for renters and homeowners, offering practical solutions for a more sustainable future.

Optimize Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is easy with simple adjustments such as switching to LED light bulbs, using smart thermostats, and opting for energy-efficient appliances. Homeowners can also make larger upgrades such as improved insulation or solar panels to enhance long-term sustainability. 

Renters can take action by unplugging electronics when not in use and using blackout curtains to maintain indoor temperatures year-round. These strategies for an eco-friendly house can reduce energy waste for both renters and homeowners.

Use Water Sustainably

Water conservation is another crucial aspect of sustainable living. Homeowners can install low-flow toilets and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce water waste. Renters, while unable to make major plumbing changes, can embrace habits such as turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaks quickly, and limiting shower time. 

Incorporate Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials influence the environmental impact of your home as well. Homeowners can invest in reclaimed wood, bamboo flooring, or recycled glass during renovations. Renters can reduce waste by switching disposable items for reusable alternatives such as cloth napkins and silicone storage bags. Whether they’re large home improvements or simple swaps, these choices help minimize waste and promote eco-conscious living.

Reduce Waste 

Reducing waste is one of the most impactful green living practices. Renters and homeowners alike can compost, recycle, and donate unused items. Selecting digital billing instead of paper statements and purchasing durable goods with minimal packaging also helps reduce waste. These efforts add up over time, significantly reducing landfill contributions.

Invest in Sustainable Living Upgrades

Homeowners have the opportunity to make larger upgrades for a sustainable home, such as installing solar panels or landscaping with native plants. Renters can also make small, impactful changes such as using draft stoppers with windows and doors and filtering tap water instead of buying purified water in bottles.

By following these top green living tips for renters and homeowners, everyone can contribute to a more sustainable future. Small, everyday actions—including optimizing energy use, conserving water, and reducing waste—add up to create a healthier planet for future generations.

How Automation Can Enhance Sustainability in Manufacturing

Many manufacturers adopt automation technology to cut costs, increase capacity or offset labor shortages. While sustainability is an underutilized application, it is picking up speed as more business leaders realize the benefits of investing. There are numerous ways they can implement these solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. 

1. Improves Maintenance-Related Resource Use

Typically, anywhere from 30% to 50% of maintenance is emergency work related to unexpected equipment failure. Facilities should aim for no more than 15%, with 80% to 85% of repairs being preventive. They can achieve this goal by using automatic monitoring with alerts, enabling them to reduce unnecessary maintenance and minimize resource waste during repairs. 

2. Decreases Administrative Resource Usage

Manual administrative work is often unsustainable. The paper comes from clear-cutting forests, the pens are made of plastic and the overhead fluorescent lights stay on all day. Digitalizing and automating these processes with artificial intelligence promotes resource conservation.

3. Upgrades Assembly Line Energy Efficiency

Although manufacturing conjures images of towering smokestacks and endless assembly lines, this industry is a sustainability leader. Libby Peake, a senior policy adviser at Green Alliance, says that the top factories are improving their energy efficiency around five times faster than the average organization. The secret is automation. 

Companies can improve assembly line energy efficiency by automating lighting based on occupancy, time of day or motion. Also, building management systems can monitor electricity use in real time, adjusting controls to optimize power consumption. 

4. Enables Efficient Just-In-Time Production

This technology enables just-in-time production — a manufacturing strategy where products are produced only when orders are placed — eliminating the guesswork to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency. The less they use the assembly line when it’s unnecessary, the more they save. Companies also benefit from improved lead times. 

5. Lessens Waste Associated With Quality Control

A computer vision system with built-in sensors and AI can identify flaws more accurately than any human, enhancing quality control. Its usefulness goes beyond detecting dents and scrapes — it can use hidden context clues to determine the product defects’ origin, helping companies reduce waste. 

6. Reduces Packaging-Related Waste Generation

Inefficiencies — including overlooked product defects and human error — can create waste during packaging. Automated articulated robot arms are faster and more precise than workers, improving efficiency while reducing material waste. 

7. Minimizes Procurement and Distribution Emissions

Material procurement and product distribution could be more sustainable. On average, an organization’s supply chain emissions are around 11.4 times higher than its direct emissions. Companies can reduce these effects with automated route optimization software. They could even get creative and use AI-driven load optimization to improve fuel efficiency. 

8. Quickly Identifies Recyclable Materials

The by-products that factories create include scrap metal, cardboard or plastics. A computer vision system connected to an articulated arm could automatically identify, categorize and sort these recyclable materials, giving them a second life. Human workers can focus on complex, value-added tasks instead.  

9. Increases Inventory Management Efficiency

Warehouster — a logistics asset provider — has deployed automation tools for inventory management, product transport and order processing. These solutions lower fuel consumption and resource waste. Sandeep Chadha, the company’s founder and CEO, says automation and robotics are “game-changers” that enable greater “precision, speed and scalability.” 

Since manufacturers are sandwiched between suppliers and distributors, each benefit has ripple effects. Automating inventory processes to increase fuel efficiency and prevent product waste improves sustainability across the board. 

10. Facilitates Sustainable Technology Investments

According to a 2024 IBM study, facilities that integrate sustainability into business practices are 52% more likely to outperform their peers profit-wise. The more they save, the more they can invest in sustainable initiatives. For example, they could install solar panels or a green roof. They could even expand their automation technology stack. 

Since this technology is mature, it is relatively affordable. Jonathan Dawley, president and CEO of Kion North America, says automation is now accessible for a “much larger segment of the market.” He believes companies see it “not as an ‘if’ but as a ‘when’ solution.”

Automation Can Give Manufacturers a Competitive Edge 

Early adopters could gain a competitive edge by improving everything from fuel efficiency to power consumption. However, they must proceed carefully — implementation doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. Benchmarking and consistent monitoring can help them ensure they achieve the sustainability improvements they are looking for.