GOING GREEN: CAN WE BE SUSTAINABLE FOR TOMORROW WITHOUT SACRIFICING TODAY?

**A Testing Laboratory's Sustainable Solution** Some companies go above and beyond compliance to show their dedication to sustainability. Investing in eco-friendly practices can not only help the environment but also improve a company’s financial health by reducing risks like fines, lawsuits, and PR crises. However, one automotive R&D lab found a sustainable solution that saved them money right away, cost less in the long run, and solved multiple chemical handling issues. Intertek is a leading global provider of third-party testing and research services for the R&D industry. Their Automotive Research Lab in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the largest independent facilities in the U.S., offering engine, transmission, emission, and fluid testing services. As part of their testing process, Intertek builds engines to ASTM standards to ensure accurate testing under controlled conditions. Before assembly, each component is measured and weighed. After testing, the parts are weighed again to evaluate changes, giving insight into the performance of the fluids being tested. To do this accurately, all parts must be cleaned with solvents like N-pentane, N-hexane, Toluene, Tri-solv, and Acetone. For Intertek’s team, handling large drums of these chemicals was time-consuming and inefficient. They had to tip the 55-gallon drums to dispense the solvents, which led to leaks, clogs, and spills. The process was not only messy but also risky and labor-intensive. Drums were often left partially full, causing waste and requiring extra effort to meet EPA regulations for proper disposal. Bob Tome, Intertek’s Manager of ES&H, was looking for a better solution. He attended an industry seminar hosted by TCEQ’s Pollution Prevention Group, where he discovered a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to handle chemicals. He implemented a pumping system that allowed safe and controlled dispensing directly from upright drums. This new system improved safety, reduced waste, and made the process faster. With the pumps, technicians could transfer up to four gallons per minute without tipping the drums. It also helped them empty the drums to within half an inch of the bottom, meeting RCRA standards without extra costs. Tome was surprised by the savings. The pump cost about $300 less than a spigot and lasted ten years, compared to spigots that needed frequent replacement. Over time, this translated into significant cost savings and a more sustainable operation. “Honestly, I’m amazed at the results,” Tome said. “We saved money upfront, reduced waste, improved efficiency, and made our workplace safer—all while supporting our sustainability goals.”

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