Page 395 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

370 Cha pte r T w e n t y -O ne

matrices; environmental analysis using footprint indicators,
life-cycle assessment methods, or predictive simulation; risk
analysis methods; and financial analysis methods including
life-cycle accounting and cost-benefit analysis. Choosing the right
methods and level of detail to support decision making is a
challenge.

Chapter 10: Product Life-Cycle Management. DFE should be
embedded within a broader cross-functional process that mon-
itors performance over the product life cycle and provides
feedback for purposes of product improvement. For example,
Caterpillar has established a separate Remanufacturing Divi-
sion that oversees the worldwide take-back and refurbishment
of engines and components, making extended producer respon-
sibility a profitable business. 3M has developed a Life Cycle
Management process that is routinely applied to the design of
new products across all divisions. Companies are extending
their life-cycle management and decision processes to consider
stakeholder interests throughout their global supply chains.

Part 3 Walking the Talk: The Real-World Practice of
Design for Environment

Chapter 11: Electronic Equipment Industries. Many electronics
companies were early adopters of DFE. The industry has formed
a collaborative global initiative to assess the environmental per-
formance of suppliers, and most companies have emphasized
equipment recycling programs.
Examples: Xerox has taken a systems approach in applying
DFE to its products, including development of “greener” high-
yield paper and designing machines for end-of-life re covery.
Hewlett Packard applies DFE as part of global product
stewardship and has developed technologies for reducing
energy use in data centers. Sony has taken a life-cycle approach
to technology development and product design.
Chapter 12: Transportation Industries. Transportation accounts
for a large share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and there
has been a great deal of research into environmentally sustain-
able alternatives for enabling human mobility. Companies in the
rail, air transport, and automotive industries have been working
on greener technologies.
Examples: General Motors, despite its financial difficulties,
has introduced the electric-powered Chevrolet Volt and
is converting all its manufacturing wastes to by-products.
Toyota is developing new types of hybrid propulsion systems,