Innovative Solutions to Achieve Carbon Reduction Targets
Globally, Monday, June 5, 2023, which was World Environment Day, was focused primarily on addressing plastic pollution as well as targeted at reducing carbon emissions to an already overburdened planet. Tapping into this, ESG Lead, Dorman Long Engineering, Cyril Okoye, who explained how the coy is employing innovative solutions to achieve carbon reduction targets, also addressed issues like waste management, tackling plastic pollution and recycling. Precious Ugwuzor brings excerpts:
DLE is committed to reducing its carbon emissions. Please speak on this commitment and the measures implemented to achieve carbon reduction targets.
At Dorman Long Engineering, our commitment to reducing carbon emissions is integral to our company's ethos. We have implemented various measures, including investment in efficient technology, utilisation of renewable energy sources, waste management, supply chain engagement, and energy-efficient facility management to minimise our carbon footprint and enable the transition towards a more sustainable future.
Another crucial aspect of our commitment to carbon reduction is the promotion of sustainable practices across our supply chain. We subject our suppliers and subcontractors to HSE capability assessment before onboarding to ensure their practices align with our sustainability goals. We are also conducting GHG emissions calculations to establish our baseline emissions data, enabling us to set clear carbon reduction targets. This will help us to monitor and improve our environmental performance regularly.
We aim to minimise our environmental impact and inspire others in our industry to prioritise sustainability and work towards a carbon-neutral future. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and are always looking for new ways to do so.
The 2023 World Environment Day focuses on addressing plastic pollution. Are there specific initiatives or practices in place to reduce plastic waste or promote plastic recycling within the company to tackle plastic waste?
We recognize the need to actively address plastic pollution and have implemented several initiatives and practices to reduce plastic waste and promote plastic recycling within our operations. The first of which is employee awareness and training programs as they are key stakeholders for the success of our sustainability efforts. We conduct regular training sessions and awareness campaigns to educate our staff about the importance of plastic waste reduction and recycling. This helps foster a culture of sustainability within our organization.
We are also working to educate our external communities about the importance of reducing plastic pollution through proper community engagement. We believe that education is vital to changing people's behaviour, and we are committed to doing our part to drive conversations. This year, our employees have volunteered to clean up plastic waste at Oniru Beach where we’ll also be carrying out a sensitization exercise.
Other ways we reduce our plastic waste includes material substitution where we seek alternatives to plastic in our production processes and product designs, waste segregation, and the use of water dispensers to avoid single-use plastic waste. I believe these initiatives and practices are a good start, and we always look for new ways to improve because every effort counts.
How else does DLE incorporate ecofriendly and sustainable materials into its production process for environmental impact?
We prioritize the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials throughout our production process. This involves researching and sourcing materials that are renewable, recyclable, and have a low carbon footprint. For example, we opt for recycled metals and local steel whenever possible. Secondly, the importance of proper waste management cannot be overemphasized. We strive to reduce material waste by optimizing our production processes and adopting lean production principles. Any unavoidable waste is sorted and recycled appropriately.
We also actively collaborate with industry partners and organizations to stay updated on the latest advancements in eco-friendly materials and
sustainable manufacturing processes. Through collaboration, we contribute to developing innovative solutions that align with our commitment to environmental stewardship. Dorman Long Engineering views sustainability as an integral part of our business strategy and constantly seeks new ways to reduce our environmental impact. By embracing these practices, we aim to contribute positively to the planet while delivering high-quality products and services to our clients.
With a global and local focus on energy transition, how is DLE investing in or transitioning to renewable energy in its operations?
Our company recognizes the importance of sustainable practices and is actively embracing the global and local shift towards renewable energy. We understand that the steel and general engineering industry plays an essential role in the global energy transition, and we are committed to being part of the solution. To begin with, we have invested in on-site solar and energy-saving lighting and these installations help us generate clean energy, reduce our dependence on diesel, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of the installations, we not only contribute to the decarbonization of our operations but also ensure long-term energy security and stability.
Furthermore, we are also investing in research and development efforts to find more sustainable alternatives to traditional steel production methods, such as exploring low-carbon fabrication processes. We have established clear sustainability goals and targets to ensure our commitment to renewable energy remains strong. We regularly monitor and report progress towards these goals, ensuring transparency and accountability. By doing so, we aim to inspire other companies within our industry to follow suit and actively contribute to the energy transition.
Waste management is a crucial aspect of the circular economy. What strategies or initiatives has DLE implemented to minimize waste generation?
Dorman Long Engineering is committed to minimizing waste generation through a holistic approach encompassing corporate and collaborative efforts with stakeholders. We have implemented some strategies and initiatives to minimize waste generation, with a focus on optimizing material usage during fabrication. We employ advanced technologies and techniques including precise cutting and shaping methods and implementing design improvements that reduce the overall material requirements for each project. By optimizing material usage, we significantly minimize waste generation right from the start.
We have established a recycling and reuse culture within our facility by ensuring the segregation and proper disposal of different types of waste. We work closely with specialized government-approved companies to ensure that these materials are properly disposed of, processed, or reintroduced into the production cycle whenever possible. Employees are also encouraged to identify new opportunities to reduce waste generation, alongside regular company-wide audits.
We recognize that waste management is a collective responsibility. Therefore, we actively collaborate with our suppliers and clients to promote sustainable practices. We encourage suppliers to adopt environmentally friendly packaging and delivery methods, and we work closely with clients to optimize engineering designs to avoid waste.
Steel fabrication is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. How is DLE innovating its equipment and processes to reduce its carbon footprint?
Firstly, we have invested in upgrading our equipment to incorporate more energy-efficient technologies. For instance, we have started retrofitting our old cranes from an asynchronous electric motor to a synchronous one that will run through Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). The modification will optimize energy usage and reduce emissions associated with our operations.
Moreover, we have implemented process improvements to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Our engineers and fabricators undergo regular training to enhance their skills and knowledge in sustainable manufacturing practices. This includes techniques such as lean manufacturing, which focuses on eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing material waste, and improving overall efficiency.
We have actively sought alternative materials and production methods to further reduce our carbon footprint. We explore using recycled steel and other sustainable materials whenever possible, reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing the environmental impact associated with their extraction and processing.
How is DLE galvanizing its internal workforce to enact responsible environmental practices?
We have established a periodic environmental training program for all employees where we educate our workforce about the importance of ecological conservation, the potential impact of industrial activities, and the best practices to mitigate our environmental footprint. Our training covers various topics, such as energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and air pollution control. We believe empowering our workforce with knowledge and understanding helps create a culture of environmental consciousness.
Moreover, we have implemented a health, safety, and environment recognition system to reward employees, teams, and departments who demonstrate exceptional dedication to environmental responsibility. We have an open-door policy where employees can share their ideas, concerns, or observations related to sustainability. This helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthens employee engagement, and fosters a sense of ownership over environmental initiatives. By empowering our employees to become environmental advocates, we aim to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve.
Lastly, what are the future priorities for Dorman Long in terms of demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability?
Our future priorities revolve around reducing our carbon footprint, responsible sourcing, promoting innovation, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, and engaging with key stakeholders. Through these initiatives, we aim to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability while maintaining our position as a leading oilfield equipment, structural steel, marine structures engineering, and fabrication company in sub-Saharan Africa.
We recognize the crucial role that businesses play in promoting environmental sustainability and understand that steel fabrication and EPC can have significant environmental impacts, particularly in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. We aim to leverage collective knowledge and resources through effective partnerships to drive meaningful change and achieve our sustainability goals. By fostering a culture of innovation, we aim to continuously improve our practices and contribute to the overall sustainability of the steel fabrication and EPC sector.
We aim to minimise our environmental impact and inspire others in our industry to prioritise sustainability and work towards a carbon-neutral future. We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and are always looking for new ways to do so