Pratt & Whitney and CBIA Host Sustainable Manufacturing Forum

In honor of Earth Week 2016, Pratt & Whitney and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association hosted a sustainable manufacturing forum at the Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum in East Hartford, Connecticut, on April 19.

The event featured remarks from Pratt & Whitney Environment Health & Safety Vice President Mary Anne Cannon; keynote speaker L. Hunter Lovins, president of Natural Capitalism Solutions; and Robert Klee, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

Cannon kicked off the forum by outlining Pratt & Whitney's ambitious 2025 Sustainability Goals, which the company aims to achieve in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.

"Since 2006, Pratt & Whitney has invested approximately $60 million into sustainable practices," Cannon said. "Pratt & Whitney is committed to environmentally efficient operations. Sustainability is not only important to providing for the needs of the current population, but essential to prepare for future generations."

Lovins shared her wealth of knowledge on sustainable practices for businesses accrued from her consulting experiences with large corporations, and briefings with the United Nations, U.S. Congress and the heads of states in 30 countries. She outlined some of the current environmental risks and concerns that can have costly impacts on corporations, and explained that simple actions like switching off lights when not in use and harnessing natural light can lead to sizeable cost savings.

"Implementing sustainable practices should not be seen as a burden," Lovins said. "Sustainability pays. It can lead to the attraction and retention of top talent. And you'll see companies with strong air quality and environmental controls have employees taking less sick days."

Klee, who works closely with Connecticut residents and businesses to preserve Connecticut's environment, spoke about the great resources and benefits available in Connecticut to encourage sustainable manufacturing.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring manufacturing industry Operations leaders from around the area who discussed their operations' sustainable practices, and what others can learn to improve environmental efficiencies at their own sites.

Click here to read a CBIA blog post recapping the event.