An integrated factor analysis model for product eco-design based on full life cycle assessment
Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management
JIEM
2013-0953
An Integrated Factor Analysis Model for Product Eco-Design Based on Full Life Cycle Assessment
Zhifang Zhou 0 1
Tian Xiao 1
Dayuan Li 0 1
0 Collaborative Innovation Center of Resourceconserving & Environmentfriendly Society and Ecological Civilization, Central South University , Changsha, Hunan- 410083 , China
1 Business School, Central South University , Changsha, Hunan-410083
Purpose: Among the methods of comprehensive analysis for a product or an enterprise, there exist defects and deficiencies in traditional standard cost analyses and life cycle assessment methods. For example, some methods only emphasize one dimension (such as economic or environmental factors) while neglecting other relevant dimensions. This paper builds a factor analysis model of resource value flow, based on full life cycle assessment and eco-design theory, in order to expose the relevant internal logic between these two factors. Design/methodology/approach: The model considers the efficient multiplication of resources, economic efficiency, and environmental efficiency as its core objectives. The model studies the status of resource value flow during the entire life cycle of a product, and gives an in-depth analysis on the mutual logical relationship of product performance, value, resource consumption, and environmental load to reveal the symptoms and potentials in different dimensions. Findings: This paper illustrates logical relationships among resource efficiency, economic efficiency and environmental efficiency, builds a fully comprehensive evaluation analysis model to trace, evaluate and analyze the status of the material and value flow of the product life cycle process.
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Originality/value: This provides comprehensive, accurate and timely decision-making
information for enterprise managers regarding product eco-design, as well as production and
management activities. To conclude, it verifies the availability of this evaluation and analysis
model using a Chinese SUV manufacturer as an example.
1. Introduction
Eco-design is an approach to product design that makes special consideration of the
environmental impact of the product during its entire life cycle. Eco-design of a product,
including any variations in ecological design patterns, has a critical impact on the status of the
product’s material and value flow during its entire production process. The cost and value of
the product and its associated environmental load and consumption of resources are also
affected. To this effect, it is necessary to comprehensively evaluate and analyze the status of
the material and value flow of a product’s life cycle so as to provide complete and timely
eco-design information.
There are variable comprehensive evaluation methods on the horizon, However, there are
defects and deficiencies in the existing evaluation and analysis methods. For example, some
methods only focus on one aspect of the product (economic or environmental factors,) despite
varying degrees of impairment, moreover relatively fewer methods for comprehensive
evaluation and analysis of the product system.
The primary objective of this paper is to build a fully comprehensive evaluation analysis model
which can trace, evaluate, and analyze the status of the material and value flow of the product
life cycle process, from the three harmonization perspectives (resources, environment, and
economy). Based on the concept and principle of the IPAT equation, this paper builds the total
factor evaluation analysis model and creates specific evaluation by seeking a strict number of
logical relationships between resource efficiency, economic efficiency and environmental
efficiency. This paper also completes the analysis of the different stages of resource flow in the
life cycle of products by constructing an X, Y, Z multiples evaluation factor at the core of the
relationship between the product performance, resource consumption and environmental load.
2. Review on Traditional Evaluation and Analysis Methods of Product
For the sake of assessment, the life cycle of a product is usually divided into four parts:
procurement, manufacture, use, and disposal
(Jeganova, 2004; Yamamoto & Wang, 2003)
.
Resource and environmental factors are crucial to the product’s design. Environmental
performance goals are carefully set for the product, in order to leave minimal environmental
impact (COM, 2003; Ortiz, Raluy & Serra, 2007). The objective is not only to reduce the
consumption of materials and energy and the emission of harmful substances, but also to
make the products and parts easily retrievable, recyclable and re-usable
(Bhander, Hauschild &
McAloone, 2003; Sakao, 2007)
.
2.1. Standard Costs and Variance Analysis Mode
This model introduces a standard cost and target cost ideology, and establishes cost standards
as well as proportion standards of cost allocation for different product cost types. The
comparative analysi (...truncated)