HARNESSING STANDARDIZATION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING

Abstract

Climate change represents an urgent global threat with widespread implications for environmental, social, and economic stability. Manufacturing, especially in the mechanical engineering and textile sectors, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. While various mitigation strategies exist, standardization offers a structured and internationally recognized approach for integrating sustainable practices into industrial operations. This paper explores how the implementation of standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ISO 14006 can catalyze a transition toward sustainable manufacturing. Through comparative analyses, case studies, and empirical data, the research highlights the measurable impact of standardization on energy consumption, emissions, and innovation. Furthermore, it addresses challenges such as implementation costs and policy fragmentation while proposing pathways for widespread adoption. The findings reveal that standardization is not only a compliance tool but a strategic framework for aligning industrial growth with global climate objectives.