It's the Really Little Things That Make the Difference

By Jake Nawrocki

One of our projects this last summer is a new warehouse space. It is fairly conventional in construction for our part of the world – a steel-clad building. This is fairly common all across the country and most likely you are familiar. Posts of either steel or wood make up the backbone of the structure, while purlins (also of wood or steel) are fastened to the frame that we attach the outer sheeting to. And what holds all the sheeting on the roof and sides? Very small screws.

From Headlights to Tailgates, WPI Study Finds Reusing Auto Parts Lowers Carbon Footprint and Strengthens Domestic Supply Chains

A first-of-its-kind study from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) shows that reusing automobile parts can greatly cut greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing the quality of the products. The research, which examined commonly reused components such as engines, transmissions, bumpers, headlights, and doors across different vehicle types, highlights the environmental benefits of using reclaimed auto parts in vehicle repairs, which reduces the need for energy-heavy manufacturing processes.

“This work provides clear, quantifiable evidence that reusing auto parts offers a practical way to reduce carbon emissions while improving supply chain resilience,” said Brajendra Mishra, the Kenneth G. Merriam Professor in Mechanical Engineering.