The OpExChange community gathered virtually for a webinar introducing a valuable new tool designed to help manufacturers navigate the increasingly complex world of sustainability. This event spotlighted the recently launched Sustainability Resource Guide – a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference developed specifically for small and mid-sized manufacturers.

A Strategic Initiative for South Carolina Manufacturers

Over the past year, one of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s (SCMEP) key strategic initiatives has been to provide practical resources to help manufacturers address sustainability challenges. Recognizing the growing demands in areas like reporting, compliance, energy management, and waste reduction, SCMEP set out to develop a guide tailored to the needs of manufacturers in South Carolina and beyond.

To make this possible, SCMEP partnered with Daryl Whitt and the team at ALL4, nationally recognized experts in environmental and sustainability solutions. Together, they spent much of 2024 building this robust resource, officially unveiling it at the MX.0 conference in April.

The result is a 144-page guide packed with educational content, case studies, and direct links to public tools and resources. Best of all, it’s available for free download on the SCMEP website:

👉 Sustainability Resource Guide

A Five-Pillar Framework for Sustainability

During the webinar, Daryl Whitt provided an excellent overview of the SRG’s structure, which is organized around five core pillars:

1. Designing for Sustainability
   Focuses on minimizing environmental, social, and economic impacts starting from the product and process design stage. Topics include lifecycle assessments, environmental product declarations, and green building certifications like LEED.
2. Compliance for Sustainability
   Outlines both U.S. and international regulatory frameworks for sustainability reporting, as well as emerging stakeholder-driven requirements. It also demystifies reporting standards and frameworks.
3. Energy Optimization
   Explores strategies for improving energy efficiency, incorporating renewable energy, and implementing demand response programs – with an eye toward operational cost savings.
4. Waste Stream Reduction
   Covers zero waste principles and circularity, offering guidance on minimizing waste generation and promoting resource recovery within operations.
5. Data and Supply Chain Management
   Highlights the importance of capturing and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) data – including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions — and fostering transparency and collaboration across the supply chain.

Case Studies from Industry Leaders

One of the guide’s standout features is a collection of twelve case studies from manufacturers across South Carolina, showcasing real-world applications of sustainability practices. Notably, four of these are OpExChange member companies:

• BMW Manufacturing
• Rolls-Royce Solutions
• Sage Automotive Interiors
• VELUX

Mike Demos of the OpExChange highlighted that both Rolls-Royce Solutions and VELUX have hosted previous OpExChange events focused on their sustainability initiatives. These sessions remain available for members to access through the OpExChange members only Portal:

• VELUX – VELUX Sustainability Plan
• Rolls-Royce Solutions – Rolls-Royce: Powering the Future in Aiken

A Practical Resource for Every Manufacturer

Daryl closed his presentation by emphasizing that the Sustainability Resource Guide is designed to be practical and accessible for companies at any stage of their sustainability journey. Whether an organization is just getting started or actively advancing toward zero waste and carbon neutrality, this guide offers tools, frameworks, and examples to support meaningful progress.

As more manufacturers recognize the operational, financial, and reputational benefits of sustainable practices, resources like this guide will play a vital role in helping South Carolina’s industrial community stay competitive and resilient.

About the OpExChange

The OpExChange, a program of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), is a dynamic peer-to-peer network of manufacturers and distributors across South Carolina. For over 23 years, this collaborative group has helped member companies improve performance through benchmarking, best practice sharing, and collective learning. Member companies regularly host site visits and events, offering real-world examples of industrial automation, lean manufacturing initiatives, workforce engagement, and leadership development. It is an invaluable resource for South Carolina manufacturers seeking to learn from others on similar operational excellence journeys.

If your company is interested in joining this collaborative effort to strengthen both your operation and South Carolina’s manufacturing community, reach out to Mike Demos at mdemos@scmep.org. Visit www.OpExChange.com for more information on joining and a list of upcoming plant visits.