Abstract:
The garment sector is the largest industrial polluter in the world, responsible for around
10% of the worldwide carbon footprint. This study shows how the carbon footprint can
be calculated and GHGs reduction techniques could be introduced to a textile industry,
aiming enhanced environmental performance and sustainability. The four major steps
used to calculate carbon footprint were, identification of boundary of the study, scope
of analysis, data collection and data analysis. Primary data covering the Scope 1 (i.e.,
Generator, Boiler, Fire extinguisher), Scope 2 (i.e., Grid electricity) and Scope 3 (i.e.,
Accessories, Staff, Waste transportation) emissions were collected by conducting industrial
visits. Published materials, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
guidelines and GHG protocol guidelines were used as secondary data. Interviewing the
workers and the staff was also utilized to generate some effective carbon management
strategies that could be introduced. The average fuel consumption was analyzed by one
sample t statistical test in Minitab 8 statistical software. Total GHGs emissions related
to Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 were 749 t CO2e, 957 t CO2e, and 1,151 t CO2e,
respectively. To develop a carbon management plan, the general manufacturing process
of the facility and the related environmental impacts were analyzed and investigated by
cost benefit analysis. According to the GHG reduction plan replacing fluorescent bulbs
with LED tube bulbs (4.05%), replacing fluorescent bulbs with LED task bulbs in sewing
section (0.2%), introducing adsorption chiller technology to reduce electricity cost for
air conditioning (35.5%), introducing a solar power panel system (15%), sensor taps to
optimize consumption time and minimize the water wastage (0.001%) and introducing
Hippo water saving device for toilet system (0.06%) are the recommended carbon
reduction opportunities in the studied textile industry. Further research is recommended
to seek for causes that contribute to rising carbon footprint other than electricity
consumption, while suggestions for lowering organizational carbon footprint are also
discussed.
