August 2010 ITU
- Table of Contents
- Full Issue in PDF
- National Export Initiative: Off to a Solid Start
- Green Jobs, Domestic Growth, and Overseas Sales: A Winning Combination
- Trade Mission, Agreements Promote U.S. Nuclear Technology in Eastern Europe
- Short Takes
- Trade Calendar
- Featured Trade Event: Sustainable Manufacturing American Regional Tour: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in the Forest Products Sector
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Sustainable Manufacturing American Regional Tour: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in the Forest Products Sector
September 14, 2010
Richmond, Virginia
This event is the eighth in a series of Sustainable Manufacturing American Regional Tour (SMART) events organized by the Department of Commerce. It will focus on energy efficiency and sustainability in the forest products sector. The SMART events are an outreach effort to the sustainable manufacturing industry and are part of the department’s Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative (see the August 2009 issue of International Trade Update).
The forest products industry is a top-10 manufacturing employer in 48 states. It contributes 5 percent of manufacturing gross domestic product and employs more than 900,000 workers. Although the industry has taken many steps to improve its energy efficiency, purchased energy is still the industry’s third-largest manufacturing cost. On average, forest products facilities generate two-thirds of their energy needs on site from renewable biomass, but the industry—faced with intense competition in global commodity markets—must continue to reduce its energy usage to lower manufacturing costs and remain competitive.
This one-day event will include presentations on how the forest products industry can become more sustainable through increased energy efficiency and on how lowered costs can enhance market competitiveness. Information on available resources from government agencies and other organizations will also be discussed.
Attendees will learn about the successful planning, financing, and implementation of energy efficiency and sustainability enhancement projects that have already been put in place by forest products companies. They will also tour nearby manufacturing facilities that use sustainable manufacturing processes.
For more information, or to register, visit the event’s Web site or send an e-mail to sustainability@trade.gov.
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