ESTIMATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SIMILAR PRODUCTS
DS 32: Proceedings of DESIGN 2004, the 8th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2004
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Dick, M.; Dewulf, W.; Birkhofer, H.; Duflou, J.
Section: ECO DESIGN WORKSHOP
Page(s): 1515 - 1520
Abstract
This paper proposes parametric estimation techniques as a simplified LCA technique for estimating the environmental impacts of a range of similar products based on a limited number of LCA studies. The aim of these environmental parametric estimation techniques is to establish a coupling between functional requirements (FR), respectively design parameters (DP) that product developers have at hand in early design phases and the environmental impact (EI) of the product. Three approaches, developed at two universities, are compared: theoretical modelling, Environmental Impact Growth Laws (EIGLs), and Eco-Cost Estimating Relationships (E-CERs). Strengths and weaknesses of the approaches are discussed.
Keywords: design for the environment (DfE), early design phases, life cycle assessment (LCA), estimating relationships, size ranges