The Role of Maintenance in Sustainability

The Role Maintenance Plays in Sustainability

 

Maintenance is any activity – such as measurements, tests, repairs, replacements, or adjustments – intended to restore or retain a piece of equipment in or to a specified state, allowing the equipment to perform its functions properly. 

There are many examples of maintenance in our lives, from changing the oil in your car to brushing your teeth or cleaning the dishes. These are all forms of maintenance that keep us and our things functioning well. 

While most of us know what maintenance is, many people don’t realize that maintenance plays a significant role in sustainability when it comes to the manufacturing industry and other similar industries. Below, we will explain the link between maintenance and sustainability:

 

  • Reduce Emissions

 

Manufacturing companies are thought to produce roughly 24% of all greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them the third highest source of air pollutants. Due to this, manufacturing businesses must do everything possible to reduce their emissions. 

One way they can do this is by regularly maintaining their air filters. Air filters work by purifying toxic gases before they are released into the atmosphere. If these devices are not working correctly, toxic gases will enter the atmosphere without being purified. 

 

  • Reduce Waste

 

Another way maintaining equipment helps protect the environment is by reducing waste. If a manufacturing process has to be stopped halfway through, the products on the line are wasted. This can have a significant impact on the environment. 

Thankfully, there is a way to prevent this from happening. Businesses can use a preventative maintenance strategy. This involves regularly checking for issues with machinery and putting them right before they cause more significant issues.

For example, if you spot an issue with your hydraulics system during a regular maintenance check, order new industrial hydraulic products and put the issue right before your machine is damaged beyond repair. 

 

  • Prolong Asset Lifespan

 

By caring for your equipment, you are helping extend its lifespan. This not only helps reduce business costs but is also much better for the environment. 

 

  • Conserving Energy

 

Regularly maintaining your machines by cleaning them, lubricating them, and checking for issues not only helps with energy conservation but can also help reduce costs. Poorly cared for machines do not work as well as well looked after ones. On top of this, they require a much more significant amount of energy to work. 

 

  • Improve Health and Safety in the Workplace

 

If you want to run a sustainable business, you will need to improve the health and safety of your employees. Training your employees on conserving energy and how to safely manage waste is one of the best ways to do this. When your employees feel healthy, safe, and cared for by their employers, they will go the extra mile to help them reach their sustainability targets. 

 

By reading the above examples, you can see that maintenance plays a significant role in sustainability. As well as helping businesses conserve energy, it can also help reduce waste and emissions. If you own a business, learn more about how a preventative maintenance strategy can help you.