If we are going to have a future that is sustainable (and perhaps even regenerative), then that future will need manufacturing processes and systems that are sustainable. Technology undoubtedly has a pivotal role to play in that transition and future. What is becoming increasingly apparent and significant in that our whole approach towards production and products, and the culture that underpins such production, also has to undergo a major shift as well.
Some of this ambition is already being codified in various ways. This includes the recent promulgation of legislation in the EU around the right to repair, the protection of conservation areas, codification of ESG reporting and targets and things like the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). There is growing interest and attention to circular design and processes, as well a carbon-zero manufacturing. Far from being daunting or negative, a sustainable future is looking increasingly possible and achievable, along with the exciting ways in which this is possible. In fact, it is opening a whole new world of opportunities and potentials and prompting us think and work in new and exciting ways. We are daily growing our global understanding and commitment to this transformation. There is every reason to believe that this future is in our hands and is imminently achievable. It needs to be embraced and welcomed.
The Atlantis Special Economic Zone for Green Technologies is founded precisely on this premise. Whilst we target manufacturers whose products and processes support the transition to sustainability (such as solar panels, wind towers and batteries), we are also set-up to ensure that the production process supports sustainability goals. In this sense we have embraced a sustainable future being underpinned by sustainable manufacturing. To support this we have identified five goals. These goals are:
1) Net-zero carbon – this will be achieved through including rooftop solar on all buildings, supported by battery storage. Depending on energy demand this may need to be supplemented by a dispatchable source. This could one of a range of options depending on the price points at the time which they are required (for example, hydrogen vs battery).
2) Net-zero water – this will be achieved through designing the civils and layout to maximise on-site infiltration of rainwater into the Atlantis aquifer, and then to move production processes that utilise water into cyclical systems where used water to cleaned and re-used.
3) Net-zero waste to landfill – this will be achieved by working with our tenants and manufacturers to find uses for the by-products of their production processes and/or to improve their production processes to minimise waste. This is not something that can easily be defined or quantified up-front due to the variable nature of industrial production processes.
4) Working with nature – this is achieved through active search and rescue of rare and endangered species prior to clearing sites for factories. These plants are relocated to a bio-diversity off-set space purchased for the purpose. After construction, the sites are landscaped using indigenous vegetation.
5) Inclusion – this is the most important from a sustainability perspective. We actively work to explore how the impact of investment into the zone can be maximised through various skills, enterprise development and community programmes. The ideal of a Just Energy Transition, or indeed a Just Transition to a sustainable future rests on the ability to create meaningful work and opportunities in the future green economy. For many companies Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting is becoming increasingly important (along with their associated programmes). The Atlantis SEZ has active Social development programmes. Companies in the zone can tap into and contribute to these in ways that build the community and that also contribute to skills and opportunities in the green economy.
We see exciting opportunities for new industries and grow and are actively working with our tenants and partners to tap into these. We offer high-quality infrastructure and services to investors wanting to manufacture, supported by a future proofed approached to production.
Website: https://www.atlantissez.com
