Organigram section enviromental communication

© researchgroup Ecodesign TU Wien

Organigram section enviromental communication

Under the umbrella term of environmental assessment we recognize a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods. The spectrum ranges from easy to use qualitative tools - such as the MET-Matrix, where the used materials, consumed energy and related toxicities are described - to more complex, quantitative methods, such as the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), where products are modelled in a detailed manner to derive different environmental impact categories (e.g. Global warming potential [GWP], Eutrophication potential [EP], Abiotic resource depletion [ADP], etc.).

Methods in comparison

The following table shows a comparison of qualitative and quantitative methods:

Qualitative methods (e.g. Checklists, MET-Matrix,..)

Application area: For results used internally e.g. developing product improvement strategies

Advantages: Easy application, Quick to perform
Disadvantages: less accuracy, low validity

Timing within the product devolopment process: Early in product development

Quantitative methods (e.g. LCA, PCF,..)

Application area: For results used externally, e.g. for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

Advantages: High informative value, Takes different environmental impacts into account
Disadvantages: Requires a lot of data, Time-consuming

Timing within the product development process: Late in product development (due to detailed data requirement)

  

blue background with white capital letters "Ecodesign Pilot

© ecodesign.at

Ecodesign pilot logo

Ecodesign pilot logo

The ECODESIGN PILOT, opens an external URL in a new window, a qualitative Tool for improving the environmental performance of products has been developed by the ECODESIGN research group. On the basis of the products' environmental profile the software provides tailor-made strategies. Each strategy contains a checklist for identifying possible product improvements.

 

[Translate to English:] logo ecodesign+ in Farbe

© ecodesign+

Ecodesign+ logo

ECODESIGN+, opens an external URL in a new window is an easy to use environmental assessment software tool for calculating, improving and communicating the product carbon footprint of products and services.

[Translate to English:] LCA to go

© LCA2go

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The LCA to go, opens an external URL in a new window-Tools are sector specific simplified LCA-tools available for: bio-based plastics, industrial machines, electronics (including printed circuit boards, semiconductors and passive components), renewable energy, sensors and smart textiles.