Environmental, Health, and Safety

EHS Activities

Material used and waste generated has been reduced by:

  • Extending the longevity of metal working fluid (MWF) and reducing the amount of MWF waste through better management
  • Purchase of near net shape forgings, castings and bar stock to reduce amount of metal that ultimately would need to be removed
  • Utilizing water jet technology to cut metal raw material in order to reduce metal waste and maximize amount of material available for producing product
  • Using automated application of polishing compound to significantly reduce compound waste compared with manual application
  • Utilizing electronic format instead of paper format for sign-off procedures, approvals for billings and expense report filings
  • Encouraging two-sided copying when printing documents

Materials are reused by:

  • Sending scrap metal to vendors for reclamation
  • Sending foam from sewing operations to vendors to be used in carpet padding material
  • Selling excess furniture / equipment to employees, donating furniture to charitable organizations or sending equipment to scrap vendors for metal reclamation

Recycling is promoted at all sites, but the materials recycled will vary from site to site.  Following are some of the key materials recycled:

  • Metal shavings / turnings
  • Polishing sludge / dust
  • Paper / cardboard
  • Wood / plastic pallets
  • Steel drums
  • Computer equipment
  • Used oil
  • Fluorescent bulbs
  • Batteries
  • Aluminum cans
  • Waste foam material
  • Clean room coveralls

Packaging Reduction Initiatives

We seek to reduce the amount of packaging material where possible without compromising the integrity of our products.  We have eliminated the use of heavy metals in printing ink and reduced the amount of printed cartons and materials.  We use non-toxic materials in order to reduce toxic emissions during incineration and continue to reduce the number of PVC packaging components.  We are increasing the use of recyclable materials and include plastics identification symbols on our packaging.

Emissions Control Including Greenhouse Gases (GHG) 

Control devices are in place for the capture of dusts and other contaminates to protect the environment and our employees.  While Zimmer generates limited amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from direct internal equipment sources, actions are taken to improve efficiency of this equipment and alternative practices such as utilizing a fleet of electric GEM vehicles for intra-plant travel at our larger facility in Indiana instead of gas-powered vehicles.  Indirect GHG emissions are being reduced by promoting the use of audit / web conferencing which provides alternatives to employee travel; and encouraging our third-party international delivery service to use alternative-fuel vehicles in delivering our products.  Energy conservation practices to further reduce GHG emissions are outlined in the Energy Savings section below. 

Energy Savings

Ongoing practices to reduce electricity consumption include removal of metal halide fixtures and installation of T5 or better fluorescent lighting, use of photo cells and timers on exterior lighting and use of energy efficient motors.  Automatic controllers have been installed for larger HVAC systems which incorporate night and weekend set backs and better utilization of outside air to improve the efficiency of our HVAC systems.

Employees are encouraged to turn off equipment and lights when not in use.  Light sensors are installed in conference rooms and other common work areas when feasible.  Overall awareness and consideration for alternative and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power is increasing, along with other green alternatives such as the installation of plants on roofs to reduce heat radiation.

Water Use 

Depending on availability of water, non-contact water cooling systems are installed to help reduce water contamination and are discharged to streams instead of sewer systems when possible.  Cooling towers and closed loop water systems are installed to reduce water use when appropriate.  We also use evaporators to reduce the amount of water discharged to publicly owned treatment facilities when feasible.  Older restroom fixtures get replaced with water efficient fixtures when renovations take place.  Automatic sensors are also used on sinks and toilets to further reduce water use.

Outreach

Sites are encouraged to identify and participate on local environmental based committees and school education programs. Some sites have EHS staff that serve on local emergency planning committees (LEPC) and public waste recycling organizations.  We have sponsored environmental exchange seminars and support community Environmental, Health, and Safety related activities.