iNEMI Sustainability Summit

This summit will outline actions for industry to proactively address environmental issues and develop the knowledge required to make science-based decisions regarding environmental restrictions.

Location: Schaumburg, Illinois
Date: 9/22/2008 - 9/23/2008
Organizer: iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative)

Environmental legislation is proliferating around the globe, and harmonization is essential. Equally important is the need for industry to coordinate its technical responses, and that requires a proactive approach. We must work with stakeholders to evaluate alternative technologies and determine trade-offs between product functionality, environmental impact, reliability, safety and cost. It is important that we build the knowledge base necessary to support science-based decisions regarding environmental restrictions.

The summit will feature speakers from industry, associations and university research programs, and will include several open discussions and brainstorming sessions. Topics include:
• Leading change in industry
• Proactive programs to develop alternative materials
• Reducing energy while increasing performance
• Organizations, methodologies and tools to improve environmental performance
• Reuse, recycling and dematerialization
• Using information technology as an alternative to less sustainable alternatives
• Metrics and next steps toward a sustainable infrastructure

The goal is to go beyond ‘discussing the issues.’ We are looking to define specific actions for the electronics industry to take on the environmental ‘front’ and to organize programs to execute,” said Pfahl. “The long-term goals are to prepare industry for future regulations before regulatory deadlines are reached, and to help develop scientific bases for emerging requirements.

Event Link:http://www.inemi.org/cms/calendar/Sustainability_Summit_Sept08.html