Life Cycle Management - Task Force 2: Life cycle based product development

Aims

The integration of environmental considerations along the products life cycle in the product development process, rather than as an isolated function, is subject of this task force.

Motivation

The integration of environmental and life cycle related information in the product development process is being viewed as one of the most promising approaches to change products and service systems towards improved environmental performance. The predominant emphasis is on the continuous improvement mode, opposite to step-change improvements through system change. This theme is dealt with separately under the UNEP Eco-Design manual effort. In the future linkages and synergies between both efforts will be highlighted.

Work program and work process

The task force will become effective end 2003, at least in an inaugural state. The term of the task force is foreseen to be active for two years. Depending on user needs, the term may be extended. Additional members can be added over time. The first major work package is the development of a respective input into the LCM Handbook. Further on the task force will look into the following:

- Organization and moderation support for a workshop to be held end of the first quarter 2004. Major themes for discussion include:
- State-of-the art DfE
- Organizations success factors
- Market needs and competitive advantage
- Drivers for LC oriented design and innovation
- Planning of a second workshop
- Development of a report on the state of the art, including:
- Standardization
- Industry needs
- Discussion of complementary approaches such as Product Service Systems, Green Design
- Methodological framework
- LC related tools
- Forward oriented planning vs. historic data
- Decision making needs vs. uncertainties
- How to integrate environmental and sustainability considerations into existing business practise.

The task force will close link its activities with the leadership of the LCM program and align its activities with the other task forces. The leadership of the task force will represent the theme in a LCM program steering committee.