@Green September/October 2023 | Page 17

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023 | @ green

INDUSTRY

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MyHijau mark presentation organised by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Centre ( MGTC ).
the safety requirements associated with natural gas usage are high . The safety mechanisms are primarily electronic and automated , which is not ideal for our dusty environment , increasing the potential for operational and safety-related failures .
“ We focused on using liquid-based renewable fuels . Solid biomass was another potential option , but the storage requirements were large and not conducive to our environment . Thus , we concentrated on utilising liquid-based alternatives .
“ This led us to design a system , develop our patented idea , conduct trial runs , and progress to using liquid oil . We ensured our system design allowed flexibility , so we could use biodiesel , bio-oils , or even diesel , as long as they were cleaner than heavy fuel oil .”
BECOMING MORE SUSTAINABLE
Tridansh explained that as the facility was designed to transition away from heavy fuel oil , JTS Group became immersed in renewable energy . The company was informed that its efforts were groundbreaking in utilising renewable fuels for energy , making them eligible to be voluntary carbon credit originators .
JTS ’ s products now exhibited lower emissions , fostering a cleaner workforce environment . Additionally , emissions from its stack , which encompassed carbon dioxide and sulphur , experienced a reduction due to using clean and renewable fuels .
“ While designing the system , we were careful not to utilise edible oils meant for food usage . We wanted to avoid competing with the food market for such oils , which could impact cooking oil availability . Our focus was on oils intended for industrial use , aligning with our industrial application .”
Focusing on achieving Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) through cleaner energy has led to a comprehensive assessment of supply chains and vendor practices . Therefore , this shift away from using heavy fuel oil has a ripple effect on JTS ’ s dross recycling services , indirectly guiding its customers towards cleaner methods and enabling their end-product production to align with elevated environmental standards .
“ Our efforts align with the current trend of using renewable fuels , benefiting both the industry and the environment . Aluminium , a key component in our operations , now emerges as a cleaner and greener ingredient .”
RECEIVING MYHIJAU RECOGNITION
JTS has been awarded the MyHIJAU mark , a prestigious green recognition scheme officially endorsed by the Malaysian government . This programme brings together certified products and services that conform to local and international environmental standards , all united under a single distinguished mark .
“ We began this journey during the Covid-19 pandemic . We worked with SIRIM , and fortunately , they were receptive to making aluminium production cleaner and more environment-friendly ,” Tridansh shared .
He mentioned that one of the prerequisites for obtaining the MyHIJAU mark was to acquire a carbon footprint label
Tridansh Bahadur Pandey ( right ), representing JTS Group , accepting the SIRIM CFP 017:2020 Product Carbon Footprint award from SIRIM CEO Dato ’ Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad . for its products . However , during that period , there were no established product category rules for aluminium .
Consequently , SIRIM invited JTS to cooperate in formulating these product category rules . SIRIM conducted the groundwork and developed the rules , which were subsequently finalised . Following the rule ’ s finalisation , JTS audited its aluminium products .
“ SIRIM assessed a wide range of data , including examining our electricity consumption , reviewing the journeys we undertook , considering our scope one emissions , scope two emissions , and to a certain extent even our scope three emissions .
“ The scope three emissions were assessed based on the availability of data . The assessment covered aspects such as transportation of raw materials , energy consumption , utility usage , and the quantity of waste sent to landfills . All these factors were calculated , and upon successfully proving the reduction and impact , we obtained the carbon footprint label . Then , we became eligible to apply for the MyHIJAU mark .”
HIGHER COST FOR GREATER BENEFITS
“ Obtaining the MyHIJAU mark proves our products are greener . I must add that the cost is significantly higher because using alternative fuel is more expensive today . However , given the environmental benefits were profound , we were willing to make the switch and bear the addtitional economic cost . As a Malaysian company , we are commited to play our part and be active in Malaysia ’ s drive to reach its sustainability goals .
“ Obviously , for our programme , we tried to ensure that we were sustainable and economically beneficial without significantly impacting our clients . What we did was that as we proved that we had the MyHIJAU mark , we could approach our clients and inform them that we have a process that is cleaner and more environment-friendly .
“ It ’ s a quantity game ; the more we recycle for you , the cleaner your products become , and the more environmentfriendly your waste stream management . People now see that we are genuinely dedicated to sustainability and going green .”
Despite the industry ’ s high energy demands , Tridansh emphasised that achieving sustainability proves that dedication and commitment can drive sustainability efforts , regardless of a company ’ s size .
He further explained that after obtaining the MyHIJAU mark , JTS received inquiries from overseas certification bodies interested in certifying its products , which opened new opportunities for the business , potentially allowing it to expand to countries like Korea , Japan , and Europe .
Having embarked on various sustainability initiatives , such as obtaining the MyHIJAU mark , heavily participating in recycling efforts , and transitioning away from heavy fuel oil , JTS is unwavering in its commitment to environmental responsibility . This dedication is evident in every facet of the company ’ s operations , whether biomass or aluminium dross recycling .
As a research-driven company , JTS collaborates extensively with local and international experts . One noteworthy partnership , for instance , involved collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia ( UTM ) in biochar research . These endeavours collectively underscore JTS ’ s dedication to promoting a greener future . – @ Green
It ’ s a quantity game ; the more we recycle for you , the cleaner your products become , and the more environmentfriendly your waste stream management . People now see that we are genuinely dedicated to sustainability and going green .”