Welding is a critical process in various industries, with millions of welders working around the globe. But did you know that inefficient welding practices and equipment can significantly impact the environment?
According to the International Energy Agency, the industrial sector, which includes welding, is responsible for a quarter of global emissions. In particular, the steel industry, which heavily relies on welding, is one of the world’s largest emitters of carbon dioxide, accounting for about 7% of global emissions.
As more and more investors and consumers prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations when making an investment or purchasing decision, companies must reduce their environmental impact and adopt sustainable practices, including the welding industry.
How Could Your Welding Habits be Killing the Planet and Harming Workers?
The welding process generates a lot of heat and produces fumes and gasses that harm the environment. These fumes and gasses contain toxic compounds like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, which can contribute to air pollution and climate change. Using poor welding equipment can have severe consequences for the health and safety of workers too. Exposure to toxic fumes and gasses can cause respiratory problems, while accidents and injuries can lead to burns, electrocution, and eye damage.
Welding for the environment
Socially-conscious organizations are already taking steps to contribute to saving the planet by adopting environment-friendly welding processes. Some tips to consider are:
Use Energy-Efficient Welding Machines
One way to reduce energy consumption during the welding process is to use energy-efficient welding machines. These machines use less electricity, resulting in fewer emissions, making them a more sustainable choice.
Choose the Right Welding Process
Different welding processes have varying environmental impacts. Welders should choose the process that produces the least emissions for their specific job. For instance, gas metal arc welding generates fewer emissions than shielded metal arc welding.
Best Practices for Sustainable Welding
To promote sustainable metal-working practices, organizations should recycle metal scraps instead of throwing them away, which reduces the need for new metal production and minimizes the environmental impact. Welders should also prioritize proper disposal procedures for contaminated materials like welding rods and electrodes to prevent hazardous substances from harming the environment and human health.
Welding can have a significant impact on the environment, but there are products & practices you can adopt to minimize your carbon footprint. At Moglix, you will have access to the most comprehensive range of welding supplies from best in class brands, allowing you to balance budget, timelines and sustainability goals. Get in touch with us today.
