THE BREN SCHOOL OF Environmental Science & Management
at the University of California, Santa Barbara

Presents

"The Effects of Industrial Clusters on Greening Manufacturing Processes:

The Case of Willowvale Industrial Cluster in Harare, Zimbabwe. "

Hosted by Vered Doctori Blass

Abstract

As a tool for improving green manufacturing practices, industrial clustering can enable reduced energy and water consumption, solid waste and wastewater minimization strategies, and increased participation in corporate social responsibility activities. A study of the Willowvale Industrial Cluster in Harare, Zimbabwe, is presented. Levels of water and energy savings, solid-waste minimization, wastewater reduction and achievements in corporate social responsibility by members of the cluster are determined through both questionnaire surveys and interviews, in addition to monitored data. An inference was also carried out using cross-tabulations to determine whether there is a relationship between participation in cluster activities and achievement of targets. Detailed results of the cluster champion are presented. The findings from responses by all cluster members show improved environmental awareness for members and the potential for establishing closer ties. Water consumption has been reduced, wastewater management practices have improved, new waste trade links have been established, and solid waste has been reduced. A lack of resources had been the main barrier to adopting green manufacturing practices.

Biography

Dr. Charles Mbohwa is a senior lecturer in the Department of Quality and Operations Management at the University of Johannesburg. Previously, he held a similar post at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe. As a Fulbright Scholar, he recently visited The Supply Chain and Logistics Institute at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology to create a new master’s course in supply-chain management and conduct research on the adaptation of electronic supply-chain systems to less industrialized countries. He earned his PhD from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Technology in Japan.

Dr. Mbowha teaches Production and Operations Management and Food Production to undergraduate students. His research activities are in logistics, supply-chain management, quality, operations management, life-cycle assessment, and bio-energy/fuel feasibility. He has general research interests in renewable energies and sustainability issues.

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