The Efficiency of Reused Resources Often Fail to Yield More Environmentally Friendly outcomes
In the realm of electrical infrastructure, a shift towards sustainability is underway, with one key component taking centre stage: copper. Copper's excellent electrical conductivity makes it indispensable in transformer production. However, the environmental impacts of mining and processing this valuable metal have raised concerns. A case study by a major electronics manufacturer has shown that using recycled copper can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to using virgin-mined copper.
The environmental impact of virgin copper is substantial. The production process involves mining, smelting, and refining, which require substantial energy inputs and lead to high greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the supply of raw materials for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) links, which include copper, contributes significantly to emissions, with the supply of raw materials accounting for around 44% of total emissions[1].
On the other hand, recycled copper offers environmental benefits. Companies like Nexans have developed prototypes using 100% recycled materials, including copper, which have shown a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—up to 76% less during manufacturing compared to traditional methods using virgin materials[2][3]. Beyond emissions, using recycled copper also improves other sustainability indicators such as resource depletion and freshwater use, as it reduces the demand for extracting and processing raw materials[3].
A case study by the electronics manufacturer compared the environmental impact of using recycled copper in transformer production to that of using virgin-mined copper. The development of a cable prototype by Nexans using 100% recycled materials demonstrates the feasibility and environmental benefits of incorporating recycled copper into electrical products. This innovation maintains the same quality and safety as cables made from virgin materials while drastically reducing the environmental footprint[2][3].
In the context of transformer production, adopting recycled copper similar to Nexans' approach could lead to substantial emissions reductions. This aligns with broader industry efforts to reduce carbon footprints and adopt more sustainable practices[1][2].
To implement this change, the manufacturer collaborated with its suppliers and employed a carbon accounting framework known as E-liability to determine emissions throughout the copper value chain. The project was carried out at a single transformer production plant, with a three-tier supply chain involving an enameler, a wire rod caster, and a copper cathode producer.
Practical recommendations for industries include encouraging the use of recycled copper in product development, conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impact of using recycled vs. virgin copper, and partnering with suppliers that offer high-quality recycled materials to ensure consistency and performance in final products.
As tools and methods improve, companies that commit to such discipline will not only meet climate goals but also gain a competitive advantage. The power to drive environmental change lies in accountability, and as the industry continues to innovate, incorporating recycled materials is becoming increasingly viable and beneficial for both the environment and the sustainability of electrical infrastructure.
[1] International Copper Study Group (ICSG), 2020. Copper Statistics.
- In the realm of environmental science, focusing on the impact of climate-change, the use of recycled copper in electrical infrastructure can significantly reduce carbon emissions, as demonstrated in a case study by a major electronics manufacturer.
- For businesses aiming to invest in a sustainable future, incorporating recycled copper into their products, such as transformers, aligns with industry efforts to reduce carbon footprints and is beneficial for both the environment and the long-term viability of electrical infrastructure.
- Within the field of finance, companies that commit to using recycled copper in their business operations may not only meet climate-change goals, but also gain a competitive advantage, as the industry continues to innovate and improve tools for assessing environmental impact.
