Sustainability and Social Responsibility of Dry Ice Blasting

Sustainability and Social Responsibility of
Dry Ice Blasting

Learn how dry ice blasting contributes to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Introduction to Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting is an advanced cleaning method that utilises solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) pellets to efficiently remove contaminants from various surfaces. This technique is highly regarded for its minimal environmental impact and high efficiency, making it an ideal choice for corporate companies, councils, and government entities committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Elite Dry Ice Limited is proud to offer this eco-friendly cleaning solution as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Environmental Benefits

Zero Secondary Waste

Dry ice blasting produces no secondary waste. Unlike conventional cleaning methods that use water or chemicals, dry ice sublimates (transforms directly from solid to gas) upon impact, leaving no residue. This not only reduces waste disposal costs but also significantly minimises the environmental footprint, aligning with corporate and governmental sustainability goals.

No Water Usage

Conventional cleaning methods often require large quantities of water, contributing to environmental strain and increased operational costs. Dry ice blasting eliminates the need for water, conserving this vital resource and supporting global water conservation initiatives. This is particularly beneficial for industries, councils, and governments striving to implement green practices.

Non-Toxic and Chemical-Free

Dry ice blasting is a non-toxic and chemical-free cleaning solution. It utilises CO₂ pellets, which are a by-product of industrial processes. By repurposing this CO₂, dry ice blasting helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and supporting climate change mitigation efforts.

Organic Material from Reclaimed CO₂

Our dry ice is produced from reclaimed CO₂, an organic material that is repurposed from industrial emissions. By using reclaimed CO₂, we divert this gas from being released into the atmosphere, thereby reducing the overall carbon footprint. This sustainable approach underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.

Energy Efficiency

Lower Energy Consumption

Dry ice blasting systems are designed to be energy-efficient. They consume less energy compared to traditional cleaning methods such as pressure washing or sandblasting. This efficiency translates to reduced operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint, meeting the energy-saving targets of corporate sustainability plans and government regulations.

Worker Safety and Health

Reduced Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Since dry ice blasting does not involve harmful chemicals, it significantly reduces workers' exposure to hazardous substances. This enhancement in workplace safety aligns with occupational health standards and corporate social responsibility objectives, ensuring better health outcomes for employees.

Minimal Dust Production

Dry ice blasting produces minimal dust, improving air quality in the workspace. This is particularly beneficial in industries where dust accumulation poses serious health risks, thereby ensuring compliance with stringent workplace safety regulations and improving overall employee well-being.

Social Responsibility

Supporting Sustainable Practices

By adopting dry ice blasting, companies, councils, and governments demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices. This decision supports broader environmental goals and showcases a dedication to corporate social responsibility and public accountability.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

Dry ice blasting helps organisations meet stringent environmental regulations. Its eco-friendly nature ensures compliance with local, national, and international environmental standards, reducing the risk of legal penalties and enhancing corporate reputation and public trust.

Scope of Responsibilities

Corporate Companies

Corporate entities are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to enhance their environmental stewardship. Dry ice blasting offers a robust solution for maintaining clean and efficient operations while minimising environmental impact. By integrating this method, companies can meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives and align with global sustainability standards.

Councils

Local councils play a pivotal role in maintaining public infrastructure and ensuring community well-being. Dry ice blasting is ideal for councils aiming to preserve historical monuments, clean public spaces, and maintain infrastructure without harming the environment. This aligns with councils' responsibilities to promote sustainability and public health.

Government Entities

Government agencies are tasked with setting and enforcing environmental regulations while also ensuring the upkeep of public assets. Dry ice blasting supports these goals by providing a method that is both effective and environmentally friendly. Government entities can leverage this technology to enhance their sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance.

Supporting Our Sustainability Strategy

Alignment with Baseline Operations

Dry ice blasting supports our sustainability strategy by operating within baseline operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. This method eliminates secondary waste and reduces water usage, aligning with our goal of minimising environmental impact.

Minimising Environmental Impact

By utilising dry ice blasting, we significantly minimise our environmental impact. The non-toxic and chemical-free nature of dry ice blasting ensures that harmful substances are not introduced into the environment. Additionally, the use of reclaimed CO₂ helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting our emissions reduction targets embedded within our sustainability strategy.

Flourishing People (Tāngata)

Dry ice blasting enhances the safety and well-being of our workforce. By reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals and minimising dust production, we create a healthier work environment. This aligns with our commitment to giving our people what they need to flourish, promoting health and safety in the workplace.

Protecting the Environment (Taiao)

Our holistic view of sustainability includes a strong emphasis on environmental protection. Dry ice blasting helps us uphold this commitment by providing an eco-friendly cleaning solution that reduces waste and conserves natural resources. This method supports our goal of leading the public service in operating sustainably and reducing emissions.

Financial Efficiency (Pūtea)

Dry ice blasting is not only environmentally beneficial but also financially efficient. The lower energy consumption and reduced waste disposal costs contribute to overall financial savings. This aligns with our financial sustainability goals, ensuring that we operate within our means while maximising environmental benefits.

Commitment to Emissions Reduction

Our sustainability strategy has included emissions reduction targets since 2018/19, and dry ice blasting plays a key role in meeting these targets. By repurposing reclaimed CO₂ and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, dry ice blasting supports our commitment to the Carbon Neutral Government Programme (CNGP) and our response to the climate emergency announced in December 2020.

Internal Work Programme

Our internal work programme ensures we are meeting our sustainability targets. Dry ice blasting is an integral part of this programme, contributing to our goals of reducing emissions and minimising environmental impact. By incorporating this technology, we ensure that our successive sustainability strategies align with the commitments outlined by the CNGP.

Compliance with the Climate Change Response Act 2002

The Climate Change Response Act 2002 in New Zealand sets the legal framework for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Dry ice blasting fits into this framework in several ways:

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • No Secondary Waste: Dry ice blasting does not produce secondary waste, which means there is no need for disposal of harmful chemicals or materials that can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Elimination of Solvents and Chemicals: Traditional cleaning methods often use solvents and chemicals that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. Dry ice blasting eliminates the need for these substances, reducing emissions.

Energy Efficiency

  • Lower Energy Consumption: Dry ice blasting is energy-efficient compared to some traditional cleaning methods that require heating water or using energy-intensive processes.

Sustainable Practices

  • Use of Recycled CO₂: The CO₂ used in dry ice blasting is often a byproduct of other industrial processes, meaning it is recycled rather than released into the atmosphere. This contributes to a circular economy and reduces the overall carbon footprint.

Compliance with Environmental Regulations

  • Support for Emission Reduction Goals: By adopting sustainable practices like dry ice blasting, companies can support New Zealand's national emission reduction goals outlined in the Climate Change Response Act.

Encouragement of Clean Technologies

  • Innovation in Cleaning Methods: Dry ice blasting represents a clean technology that aligns with the Act’s goal to encourage the use of environmentally friendly technologies to combat climate change.

Corporate Responsibility and Reporting

  • Sustainability Reporting: Companies using dry ice blasting can include this practice in their sustainability reports, showcasing their efforts to reduce emissions and comply with the Climate Change Response Act.

Supporting The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Dry ice blasting supports The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in several ways by contributing to various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here’s how this cleaning method aligns with specific SDGs:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Reduction of Hazardous Substances: Dry ice blasting eliminates the use of toxic chemicals and solvents, reducing workers' exposure to harmful substances and improving occupational health and safety.
  • Cleaner Environments: It provides a clean and sanitary environment, which is particularly important in sectors such as food processing and healthcare.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • No Water Usage: Unlike traditional cleaning methods that use significant amounts of water, dry ice blasting does not use water, thereby conserving this precious resource.
  • No Water Pollution: Since it eliminates the need for chemical cleaners, it prevents potential contamination of water bodies.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  • Promotion of Clean Technologies: Dry ice blasting is an innovative cleaning technology that reduces environmental impact, supporting the development and adoption of cleaner industrial processes.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Waste Reduction: The process produces no secondary waste, contributing to more sustainable consumption and production patterns.
  • Efficient Resource Use: By using recycled CO₂, it promotes the efficient use of resources and reduces the need for new raw materials.

SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Dry ice blasting has a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional cleaning methods, aligning with efforts to combat climate change.
  • Support for Emission Reduction: It supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the need for energy-intensive cleaning processes and reducing the use of harmful chemicals.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

  • Preventing Marine Pollution: By avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals that can run off into water bodies, dry ice blasting helps protect marine ecosystems from pollution.

SDG 15: Life on Land

  • Reduction of Land Pollution: The process does not produce chemical waste, thereby reducing the risk of soil contamination and promoting healthier terrestrial ecosystems.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Collaborative Efforts: Companies that adopt dry ice blasting often collaborate with environmental organizations and regulatory bodies to promote sustainable practices, fostering partnerships for achieving sustainability goals.

By supporting these SDGs, dry ice blasting not only enhances environmental sustainability but also promotes economic and social well-being, aligning with the holistic approach of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Sustainability Certifications and Standards

Dry ice blasting is a sustainable cleaning method that meets several environmental and safety certifications and standards. Here are some key sustainability certifications and standards typically associated with dry ice blasting:

  • ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems
    This standard specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). Companies using dry ice blasting often adhere to ISO 14001 to minimise environmental impact.

  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Compliance
    Dry ice blasting is often compliant with EPA regulations due to its non-toxic and non-hazardous nature. It does not produce secondary waste or harmful emissions.

  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Compliance
    Dry ice blasting meets OSHA standards for worker safety, as it eliminates exposure to hazardous chemicals used in traditional cleaning methods.

  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Credits
    Using dry ice blasting can contribute to LEED certification for buildings and projects by promoting environmentally friendly cleaning practices.

  • Green Seal Certification
    Some dry ice blasting companies may achieve Green Seal certification, which sets environmental standards for products and services, emphasizing reduced toxicity, waste, and resource conservation.

  • ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
    This standard ensures that the health and safety aspects of dry ice blasting operations are managed effectively, reducing workplace risks.

  • Zero Waste Certification
    Dry ice blasting contributes to zero waste initiatives by eliminating secondary waste and reducing the need for disposable cleaning materials.


By meeting these certifications and standards, dry ice blasting demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Industry and Government Applications

Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, dry ice blasting is used to clean and maintain equipment without damaging sensitive components. This prolongs machinery life, reduces the need for replacements, and supports the industry's sustainability efforts.

Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry benefits from dry ice blasting's ability to clean without leaving harmful residues. This ensures that facilities remain sanitary and safe for food production, aligning with health and safety standards and fostering public confidence.

Historical Restoration

Dry ice blasting is gentle enough to be used in historical restoration projects, preserving valuable artifacts and structures without causing damage. This supports the conservation of cultural heritage for future generations, aligning with government preservation efforts.

Government Infrastructure

Government entities can utilise dry ice blasting for maintaining public infrastructure such as bridges, monuments, and public buildings. Its eco-friendly and efficient nature ensures that maintenance activities align with public environmental policies and sustainability goals.

Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

In the electronics and semiconductor industry, dry ice blasting is used to clean delicate components without causing damage. This method removes contaminants such as flux residues and adhesives from circuit boards and other sensitive equipment, ensuring the integrity and performance of electronic devices. It supports the industry's requirement for precision cleaning while adhering to strict environmental standards.

Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry benefits from dry ice blasting by using it to clean aircraft engines, landing gear, and other critical components without abrasive materials that could cause damage. This method ensures the removal of contaminants and old coatings efficiently, improving maintenance procedures and extending the lifespan of aerospace components. The use of dry ice blasting aligns with the industry's rigorous safety and environmental regulations.

Manufacturing and Production Facilities

In manufacturing and production facilities, dry ice blasting is employed to clean molds, machinery, and production lines. This method effectively removes buildup without disassembling equipment, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. By adopting dry ice blasting, manufacturers can maintain cleaner production environments, improve operational efficiency, and reduce their environmental impact.

Power Generation and Utility Companies

Power generation and utility companies use dry ice blasting to clean turbines, generators, and other equipment critical to energy production. This method helps maintain optimal performance and efficiency, reducing the need for chemical cleaners and extensive water use. Dry ice blasting supports the industry's goal of maintaining reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry

In the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, dry ice blasting is used to clean medical devices, production equipment, and facility surfaces. This non-toxic and residue-free cleaning method ensures compliance with stringent hygiene and safety standards, preventing contamination and ensuring the integrity of medical and pharmaceutical products. By using dry ice blasting, these industries can enhance their commitment to public health and safety.

Conclusion

Dry ice blasting by Elite Dry Ice Limited emerges as a superior, sustainable, and socially responsible cleaning solution. Its environmental benefits, energy efficiency, and positive impact on worker health make it an excellent choice for corporate companies, councils, and government entities dedicated to reducing their ecological footprint and enhancing social responsibility.

For more information on how Elite Dry Ice Limited's dry ice blasting services can benefit your organisation and contribute to a sustainable future, contact us today. Let’s collaborate to create a cleaner, greener world.