Manufacturing Engineering - May 2011 - (Page 188)
Pamela Hurt Society of Manufacturing Engineers FOCUS ON THE WorkForce Green Manufacturing Requires Educated Workers estern Michigan University’s (Kalamazoo, MI) Manufacturing Research Center is helping manufacturers to “green up” their manufacturing plants, by establishing analytical tools for analysis and benchmarking. The environmental and energy impacts of design and manufacturing decisions are evaluated in conjunction with economic impacts, with special emphasis on the introduction of green materials and processes to manufacturing products. University students, undergraduate and graduate, work with faculty to conduct the industrially relevant projects and follow through with implementation at manufacturers’ facilities. W processes, and products through the Green Manufacturing Initiative (GMI). The objective of the GMI is to develop a research culture that promotes practical, multi-interdisciplinary and collaborative research to incubate people and ideas. Faculty and students from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Geology), the College of Business, and the Environmental Research Institute and Environmental Studies program participate in the Green Manufacturing Initiative activities. The GMI addresses the needs in the areas of environmental and energy applied research, industrial-economic development, and education. Research focuses on science, engineering, and technology The GMI and its collaborating partners assist manufacturing companies with environmentally benign and energyconscious manufacturing practices, with an emphasis on economically viable projects. The GMI tag line is Pursuing Environmental, Energy and Economic Opportunities: the three Es (or E3) of green manufacturing. In the area of education, outreach, and workforce development, the initiative’s efforts are focused on educat- 188 www.sme.org/manufacturingengineering | May 2011
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