Product-based environmental performance metrics: a methodology for selecting and supporting environmental metrics

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a method for developing product-based, lifecycle environmental performance metrics, as well as integrating them into strategic decision-making, at large information technology companies. Since many of these companies outsource chemical and energy intensive processes, traditional environmental performance metrics no longer capture the bulk of a company's environmental footprint. In fact, most of the lifecycle environmental impacts occur in the material extraction, distribution, use, and end-of-life (EOL) phases, as opposed to the manufacturing phase. The authors propose several metrics that can account for these life cycle impacts. Supporting these metrics will require sophisticated data gathering techniques. Fortunately, adjusting existing product-data tracking systems, which are commonly used in large corporations; to highlight environmentally sensitive data, could support computation of these metrics. This information could assist in corporate strategic decision making, by demonstrating the quantitative effects of design for environment and eco-efficiency. Such results could foster increased attention to product stewardship, yielding financial benefits from reduced material, shipping and EOL costs.