Chalmers Conferences, LCM 2013

LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRY PRACTICES
Kristen Skelton, Anna Pattis

Last modified: 2014-09-11

Abstract


The integration of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Life Cycle Management (LCM) into business operations poses great challenges, as it requires a wider range of environmental responsibility often extending beyond a company's immediate control. Simultaneously, it offers many opportunities such as the reduction of a product's or industry’s environmental impacts, an increase in process efficiency or the interconnectedness within the organization itself or across a supply chain.
Product development has been an area where application of LCM has been discussed most, since most product impacts are determined in the innovation and design phases. This comparative analysis explores the various approaches and challenges two companies are currently facing in their attempts to integrate LCT into their core product development processes.

Keywords


life cycle thinking (LCT); life cycle management (LCM); integration; product development; industry practices

References


Grundfos Holding A/S. (2012). Internal sustainability strategy document. Bjerringbro/ Denmark

Grundfos Holding A/S. (2013). Internal interview with Niels Bidstrup on the path to more energy efficient products, Bjerringbro/ Denmark

Hausschild, M. (1996). Baggrund for miljøvudering af produkter. Miljø-og Energiministeriet, Miljøstyrelsen/ Dansk Industri. Copenhagen/ Denmark

Holgaard, J. E., Remmen, A., & Jørgensen, T. H. (2006). LCM – Intentional strategy or a patchwork of practices? Proceedings from NorLCA - The First Symposium of the Nordic Life Cycle Association, Market Opportunities in Life Cycle Thinking. October 9-10, 2006: Lund, Sweden

Jensen, A. A., & Remmen, A. (2006). Background report for a UNEP guide to life cycle management – A bridge to sustainable products

Siemens AG. (2012). Sustainability report 2012. Retrieved from http://www.siemens.com/sustainability/en/sustainability/reporting/current-report.htm

Siemens AG. (2013). Environnemental protection: EP standard. Retrieved from http://www.siemens.com/sustainability/en/core-topics/environmental-protection/facts-figures/ep-standard.htm


Full Text: PDF