Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Products are considered more environmentally friendly when they are made using:

1. Advanced technology

2. Less energy

3. More recycled materials

4. Chemicals with lower toxicity

The correct answer is: Less energy

The concept of environmental friendliness in product manufacturing hinges significantly on the amount of energy consumed during production. When products are made using less energy, they typically have a smaller carbon footprint and contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions. This reduction in energy use not only minimizes environmental impact during the manufacturing process but also often relates to the sustainability of resources, potentially encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. While each of the other options contributes to the overall environmental impact of products, the emphasis on less energy directly correlates to a more significant reduction in negative ecological effects, making the production process more sustainable. For example, advanced technology can lead to efficiency, and using recycled materials and lower toxicity chemicals can also be beneficial; however, their impacts are often context-dependent and do not universally apply as broadly as reducing energy consumption. In this regard, less energy stands out as a critical factor in enhancing the environmentally friendly nature of products.