Sustainable transformation of production plants: converting brownfield factories into long-lasting resource-efficient green factories

Tuesday 21st November 12:45 - 13:00

In the session we delve into the pressing need for a shift towards a sustainable circular upgrade economy. The session emphasizes the significance of implementing comprehensive measures instead of isolated approaches to achieve this transformation successfully. The session highlights the necessity of designing production buildings to operate with the utmost resource efficiency and to have a climate-neutral footprint, ensuring the longest possible life cycle. Notable industrial examples showcase the profitability and feasibility of both adopting circular production approaches within companies and undertaking the transformation of factories into climate-neutral green spaces.

Speaker

Jan Salzwedel

Researcher, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering

RWTH Aachen University

Jan Salzwedel is a dynamic speaker and accomplished researcher in green factory planning, having studied Industrial Engineering and Business Administration at RWTH Aachen University and Università degli Studi di Torino. With a focus on resource efficiency and sustainability, Jan develops innovative Key Performance Indicator (KPI) systems and life cycle models for factories, with a particular focus on the transformation of brownfield factories. He collaborates closely with industry partners, including the Ford Motor Company, on projects such as the "Positive Impact Factory," aiming to create sustainable, long-lasting factories with a positive ecological footprint. Jan's expertise also extends to strategic site selection, integrating green factory KPIs and global megatrends to assist organizations in making informed decisions aligned with sustainability objectives. Through his work at the intersection of academia and industry, Jan Salzwedel is dedicated to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices and inspiring a greener future in the field of industrial engineering.

View the conference programme here