Life Cycle Thinking as an Integral Part of Entering a New Business Field

Abstract

This paper tells of a transition driven by life cycle thinking. The traditional business of producing plastic-based windows in southern Germany has reached its limits. Therefore, a new business field has been entered: wooden houses. In this transitional process, which was the biggest investment in the last 30 years, with new machines and new products, the life cycle thinking has been integrated early on in the decision making. First, literature was studied to get a general idea of environmental footprints of wooden houses versus conventional houses. Secondly, drafts of different wall design options were assessed for their environmental footprint, using data from the Ökobau.dat. The idea of modularity and re-usability of different structural components was considered in the design of the house as means to increase its lifespan and to prolong the use-phase within the life cycle. In conclusion, this case study within this small company shows, that it is possible to integrate life cycle thinking in companies even in times of drastic changes.