Use and perception of design for environment (DfE) in small and medium sized enterprises in Sweden

Abstract

This paper aims to give an image of the utilization and perception of DfE and methods and tools within some Swedish Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. The background is the large number of existing methods and tools in relation to the low utilization in the industry. The research method has been qualitative research interviews in ten companies. Some of the material is based on a Master Thesis written by Skoglund and Svensson (2002). The education level about DfE is very low and the overall motivation for DfE in the companies seems to be low or nonexistent. The DfE method and tool utilization is zero. One reason for this lack of interest seems to be the low interest in environmental questions and DfE among customers. The number of environmental and DfE requirements are low. The authors noted that environmental improvements have been made but not considered as environmental work, e.g. weight and fuel minimization but they are driven by for example quality or economical reasons. There are two ways to get environmental improvements by using methods and tools, by specific DfE methods and tools and by integration of environmental considerations in the ordinary design methods and tools.