Business Process Modelling Notation Assignment Case Analysis
Phase: 1
Waste management
Elon Musk is no stranger to hazardous waste management. He started his career in North America as an employee in a paper mill, disposing of hazardous waste. As a result, he has a personal understanding of the issues surrounding waste management and recycling. SFS Chemical Safety's Software-as-a-Service allows Tesla to streamline its waste management at its Fremont plant. Further, Tesla's focus on efficiency and safety is reflected in their new Model 3's performance.
Another solution for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly Tesla plant is a battery exchange. They work with companies like Kinsbursky Brothers in the US and Unicode in Europe to recycle their used battery modules. Unlike conventional carwashes, Tesla is committed to using clean energy sources. The company has also implemented waterless car washes in some locations. This approach has the potential to encourage the public to engage in recycling batteries and thereby reduce their waste burden. (Sarc, 2019)
While Tesla's battery recycling ambitions are certainly a welcome step in the direction of a circular economy, they are not the only issue that should be addressed by the company. Aside from battery recycling, the company also needs to think about the sourcing of raw materials. This can raise issues related to labor and human rights. These remain major obstacles to Tesla, but its environmental performance is well above the average.
Beyond the obvious benefits, Tesla should be aware of the risks and environmental costs associated with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose a major environmental threat and should be recycled instead. To make this happen, Tesla should invest in additional battery recycling facilities. It is also important to educate its customers about recycling and publicize its efforts to do so. If this can be done without causing more harm to the environment, this can be a significant step forward for the company.
As a result, the bipartisan Biden White House has been a strong supporter of the EV industry and pinned its climate hopes on more electric cars. They even put $7.5 billion into new EV charging stations. Biden has also sought to reinstate the expired tax credits. Tesla is also seeking changes to the RFS to earn renewable fuel credits based on kilowatt hours driven. They have even explored working with biogas producers.
Another benefit of electric cars is that they do not require as many parts as ICE vehicles do. Therefore, the EV components last longer, which means less scrap waste and material sourcing. In contrast, ICE vehicles must be replaced more often, which creates a double impact in terms of material sourcing, manufacturing, and scrap waste. By making the product last longer, the consumer is likely to be happier with the cost and benefits. Additionally, Tesla has little control over public electricity, so owners must invest in solar panels and subscribe to renewable energy sources.
The battery pack in a Tesla Model S is an intricate feat of engineering. Its thousands of cylindrical cells convert lithium into electrons and propel the car hundreds of kilometers without tailpipe emissions. The battery pack, however, is highly problematic to recycle and may even short circuit the Tesla cell, releasing toxic fumes when it is cut. The battery pack can be a very costly waste management issue. In addition, the battery pack contains high levels of cadmium, so recycling it is extremely risky.
Tesla's recycling process consists of avoiding landfills and maximizing reuse and recycling of materials. Batteries can weigh as much as one ton each, but they can be recycled. While the battery modules themselves are inert, the wires and metals are recovered and recycled locally. The batteries are sent to the Taxco Materials Management Center where they are broken down to copper and cobalt, and the resulting slurry is used for coating appliances.
The Blackhole machine, created by Tesla, helps tackle the garbage problem in Ladakh. It runs on zero electricity and fuel, converting all waste into ash. Tesla understands the need for waste management and is dedicated to a cleaner India. Across India, mountains of garbage pile up, and even some of our most picturesque tourist destinations are struggling to manage their garbage. In Ladakh, known as the Land of High Passes, this is one such destination. Nearly three lakh visitors visit the region each year, which generates 15 to 16 tones of trash per day. (Ji, 2019)
The battery pack is a feat of engineering. It's made up of thousands of cylindrical cells that convert lithium into electrons, allowing the car to travel hundreds of kilometers without emitting any tailpipe emissions. This material is problematic to recycle and can pose a threat to human health. Additionally, it's possible to short circuit the Tesla cell, releasing toxic fumes. This waste management technique helps reduce the environmental impact of batteries.
Elon Musk started his career disposing of hazardous waste in North America. He was a paper mill worker in Canada and is intimately familiar with the hazards involved. Tesla now uses SFS Chemical Safety's Software-as-a-Service to streamline its Fremont manufacturing plant. In addition, it's implemented a waterless car wash program in some areas. Tesla is one of the first car companies to be created by an entrepreneur - and his name is Musk.
Another important consideration is battery recycling. In order to recycle battery modules, Tesla is partnering with companies like Unicode and Kinsbursky Brothers. In the US, Tesla plans to set up a battery exchange program where customers can exchange used battery modules for credits. This recycling program is an excellent method for maximizing the use of recycled materials in manufacturing new batteries. In addition to improving the environment, Tesla's recycling and composting programs divert 79% of their waste from landfills.
Sustainability is an important aspect of Tesla's mission. Its long-term goals include a transition to a carbon neutral economy and a new sustainable transportation business model. The company is aware of the growing environmental challenges and is committed to meeting the demands of the consumer and society. With its long-term business model and an understanding of societal needs, Tesla aims to become the most desirable car company of the 21st century.
Tesla's fundamentally produced in Japan and agreeable to severe ecological regulation (RoHS principles). The batteries are generally produced using lithium metal oxides. In particular, the anode from graphite, the electrolyte from lithium salts and the cathode from lithium, nickel, cobalt and aluminum. They don't contain nasties like lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, and PBDEs. Tesla have expressed in the past that they are protected to be landfilled, but their Tesla reusing program shows improvement over that.
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