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Water Conservation & Management in Asian SMEs. Introduction. SMEs characterize 70 – 90% of the Asian economies Many struggle to stay afloat, especially after 1997 Asian economic meltdown Environmental issues increasingly dominate business decisions
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Water Conservation & Management in Asian SMEs wcmasmes.ppt
Introduction • SMEs characterize 70 – 90% of the Asian economies • Many struggle to stay afloat, especially after 1997 Asian economic meltdown • Environmental issues increasingly dominate business decisions • Water shortage and increasing price of water play a major role wcmasmes.ppt
Introduction • Due to financial difficulties, SMEs are reluctant to pay attention to wastewater minimization and pollution prevention • Ironically, holistic environmental management tools can help SMEs become cost effective and thus more competitive wcmasmes.ppt
Water Sources Evaluation • Water scarcity changed water management approaches dramatically world-wide • New methods to meet demand without major construction or large-scale water transfers are being developed • Efficiency improvements, wastewater recycling and reclamation and reallocation of water among users are also being explored wcmasmes.ppt
Impact of Industrialization • Industrialization has been a cause of pollution for two centuries • Growth of industrialization and congestion would eventually overwhelm infrastructure and impede growth • This has serious implications on economic performance wcmasmes.ppt
Tightening of regulation • Increasing awareness of governments on long-term consequences of pollution led to increased efforts to reduce wastes through regulation • Instances of success came with enormous costs • Regulatory approach usually assumes waste will have to be generated as industrialization continues wcmasmes.ppt
Preventive Process Engineering • Industries should move forward from end-of-pipe approaches to cleaner and sustainable production which are more cost effective • The greater pollution prevention is integrated in industrial process, the less cost per unit of impact reduction • Requires integrated water supply and wastewater collection and disposal consideration for optimum solutions wcmasmes.ppt
Towards Economical, Environmental, & Social Sustainability • Through integrating the ecological & socio-economic environment, companies can increase their profits for business as well • Reducing inputs of resources & avoiding toxic clean-ups significantly lower a company’s cost • Brand loyalty & increased marketing opportunities due to environmental friendliness equate with increased revenue wcmasmes.ppt
Sustainable Development: Strategies • Environmental Management System: Standards • ISO 14000 • EMAS • BS7750 • Environmental Management Tools • Waste Minimization • Cleaner Production • Green Productivity wcmasmes.ppt
Water Conservation Measures in Asian SMEs • Industries such as dyeing, printing, food, leather, & electroplating have adopted various water conservation approaches • Water Efficiency • Flow restrictor for better flow control • Stop valve for immediate water cut off when idle • Shower head spray for efficient washing process • Correct size of piping to optimize water usage • Recycle good quality wastewater for washing or rinsing purpose wcmasmes.ppt
Water Conservation Measures in Asian SMEs • Pollution Reduction • Covered wastewater sources minimizes safety & health risks to workers • Rearrangement & modification of process tanks & chemical storage eliminate inherent safety hazards • Retrieval of chemicals such as sulfanilic acid & alum from wastewater reduces pollution • Wastewater can be segregated, allowing specific treatment in each stream & make overall treatment more effective and efficient wcmasmes.ppt
Water Conservation Measures in Asian SMEs • Recycled materials from wastewater can be reused to reduce chemicals consumption • Improvements in processes & operations results in economic savings & better product quality • Pollution can be controlled effectively & consumption of water can be minimized significantly wcmasmes.ppt
Barriers to Sustainable Development • Lack of Awareness Regarding Sustainable Development • Poor Enforcement of Environmental Regulations • Obsolete Environmental Standards & Regulations wcmasmes.ppt
Barriers to Sustainable Development • Insufficient Recognition from Society & Regulatory Body • Absence of Transparency in Asian Industrial Operation • Inaccessibility of Financing for SMEs wcmasmes.ppt
Overcoming Barriers • Change in Strategic Planning • Regulations and Enforcement • Differentiate Between Existing & Future Industries • Focus on SMEs wcmasmes.ppt
Overcoming Barriers • Improve Financing for SMEs • Create Transparency in Industry • Build Public Awareness and Empower the Community wcmasmes.ppt
Conclusions • The most powerful stakeholder in the scheme of things: Governments of Asia • Asian governments should lead in effecting changes required for widespread adoption of sustainable practices • It is time to seriously consider sustainable development as a way out of economic peril onto the road of recovery wcmasmes.ppt
THE END wcmasmes.ppt