Global cooperation to develop sustainable manufacturing technologies for energy efficiency
Manufacturing addresses the challenge of producing more while consuming fewer materials, using less energy and creating less waste. However, the majority of manufacturing companies, particularly SMEs, lack basic guidelines or tools for efficient energy use. The EU-funded CASES (Customised advisory services for energy-efficient manufacturing systems) project gathered researchers to advance knowledge and build research synergies for the development of smart design and manufacturing services for energy efficiency. Through knowledge exchange and integration programmes, 72 Chinese, European and Ukrainian researchers in information and communications technology, manufacturing, design and engineering developed new methodologies, algorithms, a cloud-enabled sustainable manufacturing knowledge sharing platform, and case studies in eco-design and sustainable manufacturing process management. Knowledge on sustainable manufacturing management and the key issues identified were shared with major stakeholders such as academia and industry. Several papers and reports provide a clearer picture of the status of sustainable manufacturing management technology, strategies and best practices. In addition, life-cycle thinking and methods were incorporated into sustainable manufacturing management. The CASES team also assessed the impact of sustainable developments on existing practices in companies in China, the EU and Ukraine. Fellows, the majority of whom were early-stage researchers, took part in systematic training programmes such as knowledge transfer and conference presentations, and industrial visits. Research was presented in 1 edited book, 2 book chapters, 14 international journal papers and 8 international conference papers. The project team disseminated project outcomes at six international conference sessions or workshops. CASES should yield smart solutions enabling SMEs to boost manufacturing efficiency in energy use.
Keywords
Sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency, CASES, manufacturing systems, manufacturing management
