Development of a Total Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Manufacturing Facilities Applying the Six Sigma Approach

The purpose of this research was to study the application of Six Sigma principles in sustainability assessments for single facilities using a Total Sustainability Assessment (TSA) approach. Six sigma has not been used in the solid waste reduction or environmental protection fields to the extent that it has been applied in manufacturing and in other sectors [1]. The goal of this research was to investigate the application and benefits of conducting TSAs versus standalone assessments for waste reduction, energy reduction, and productivity improvements. The hypothesis for this research involved investigating the financial, environmental, and time benefits of conducting TSAs over separate assessments. Traditionally, productivity aspects are not a high consideration when performing environmental assessments; this research is novel that it incorporates these issues into a single assessment framework. The scope of this study involved (1) developing a TSA methodology and framework; (2) applying the methodology to a case study; and (3) comparing and analyzing the results. The results of the study indicated that the TSA methodology can be completed in 29.36% less time and 29.36% lower cost versus the separate assessment approach. Additionally, the TSA approach allowed for productivity considerations when evaluation process and equipment changes related to environmental protection.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Toledo

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Boldt, Elliot Paul

Contributors dc:contributor

• Franchetti, Matthew

• Mechanical Engineering
• Sustainability
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Lean
• Six Sigma
• Waste
• Energy
• Productivity
• Cost Reduction
• DMAIC

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: some rights reserved. It is licensed for use under a Creative Commons license. Specific terms and permissions are available from this document's record in the OhioLINK ETD Center.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1363870642

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:toledo1363870642