Automobile Companies Paving the Way for a More Sustainable Future by Reducing VOC Emissions
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are organic compounds that readily become vapors in ambient conditions. They can come from paints, adhesives, and solvents, as well as from fuels, gas processing and industrial emissions
VOCs participate in photochemical reactions with nitrogen oxides to form ground level ozone. Ground level ozone limits visibility and has serious effects on one’s health when inhaled, so it is extremely important to limit ozone production. Although the rate at which ozone is produced is very complex and hard to predict, reducing VOC emissions can have a significant effect on ozone production.
A multitude of VOC abatement technologies are available for companies to implement. The VOC content of products can be reduced by reformulation, process modifications to reduce emissions can be made, and additional measures to recover or destroy the VOCs can be incorporated. Reducing the VOC content of products is the preferred and most effective way to reduce emissions, however this is sometimes not possible. In that case, process modifications and add on measures are necessary. Process modifications involve making changes to how a process is conducted, such as by adding enclosures or automation, to reduce the amount of VOCs that are emitted. Many types of technology for recovering or destroying VOCs can be utilized. The best technology to use depends on process specifications, emission types, regulatory requirements, and budgetary restrictions.
Many companies are looking to reduce their VOC emissions not only to comply with more rigorous regulations, but also to show to their customers that they are committed to sustainability. Three companies that have been doing a great job in reducing emissions include BMW, Tesla, and Honda.
BMW has been running on a platform of sustainable production throughout their facilities. They have set some pretty hefty goals for themselves, which they continue to achieve year after year. BMW utilizes electricity produced exclusively from renewable sources, even utilizing biogas produced from cows near their plant in South Africa. Through innovative manufacturing techniques and state of the art technology, BMW is able to reduce their resource consumption and emissions significantly.
Welding emissions are being reduced using cartridges to clean exhaust air, enclosing of empty areas, and suction for emission extraction. In the painting process, immersion baths are being used to finish the body of the vehicle in order to reduce chemical and water waste. Water based paints with lower VOC contents are being used and painting is becoming automated to increase efficiency. Wet scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and dust filter silencers have been implemented to remove VOCs and particles from their emissions. And finally, thermal regenerative post combustion plants are used to further remove pollutants from their emissions. All of these efforts are slated to reduce resource consumption by 45% compared to 2006 and reduce VOC production in kg/vehicle produced by 8.6% from the previous year.
As for their vehicles in use, BMW continues to improve vehicle efficiency across the board. The development of a new engine has allowed for the reduction of fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters/100 km driven. Exhaust emissions from new diesel cars were reduced by 90% between 1992 and 2019, no doubt with the help of their diesel particle filter. Further reduction of emissions and fuel consumption are also being achieved with innovative technology such as intermodal routing, real time traffic updates, and searching for parking spaces online. Plus, by working with governments to offer tax incentives for electric vehicles, BMW hopes to increase their share of electric vehicles sold.
Tesla is another company known for their innovation. Without a doubt, their electric vehicles have made a major impact on emissions reduction. However, their commitment to sustainability is not apparent only in the vehicles they produce, it shows in how they produce them. Tesla ensures the responsible sourcing of their raw materials and the utilization of sustainable energy sources. Through utilizing refining processes to convert waste back into usable material, the company is able to see a solvent recovery of more than 95%. Not only does this cut down on potential VOC emissions, but it also eliminates the need for transport of waste, which would inevitably create more waste. Overall, Tesla’s material recovery rate is over 90%.
By utilizing a thermal storage tank to cool water at night for use during the day, Tesla is able to cut electricity consumption up to 40% and water consumption up to 60% in one of their desert plants. Tesla is also improving upon their battery energy storage systems to smooth out variable peaks and valleys in electricity demand. This improvement in battery activity makes buying and utilizing an electric vehicle even more appealing and removes the potential dependence on fossil fuels.
Honda’s 2030 vision is built on continuing to be “a company that society wants to exist” 100 years since its foundation and beyond. By looking to the future and looking back at what they have done, Honda plans to address long term environmental changes. The company has introduced environmental management systems at all sites and in each division to uphold their vision and commitment. They plan to eliminate risks associated with dependence on fossil fuels by utilizing renewable energy sources and energy diversification.
In their manufacturing processes, Honda has managed to reduce waste and emissions in a number of ways. Honda has focused on reducing substances of concern from their processes, recycling by-products, and reusing and recycling end of life products and parts. In their painting process, Honda uses water based paint as well as automates the process, leading to better efficiency, increased recovery rates, and lower VOC emissions.
For many other products, Honda utilizes easily recyclable materials and recycled resins for a recovery rate of up to 90%. By implementing exhaust emission cleaning technologies such as catalytic oxidation, Honda was able to reduce emissions to one-thousandth of the levels they 40 years ago.
Inside their vehicles, Honda continues to improve fuel efficiency and emissions through injection engine technologies, reduction of friction between engine parts, making lighter vehicles, and an idling stop system. Their focus on electrification also has the potential for an even greater reduction in emissions from the use of their vehicles. By 2030, Honda plans to electrify two third of their global automobile sales.
All in all, these companies have made their commitment to environmental protection very apparent in every aspect of their business. From process modifications and use of renewable energy, to improved fuel and energy efficiency and electrification, these companies are working hard to implement much needed solutions. Hopefully, they keep this momentum and continue to innovate and have the environment’s best interests in mind.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-inventories/what-definition-voc
https://www.nap.edu/read/9461/chapter/4#24
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-greener-think-getting-greener-look-manufacturing/
https://www.fastcompany.com/90334858/inside-teslas-100-renewable-design-for-the-gigafactory
