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A sustainability index for manufactured products? A conceptual paper

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 00:13 authored by Ashley, P
If we can put energy and water efficiency ratings on white goods and publish fuel efficiency data for vehicles, why cannot we extend that reporting model to all of the things we make? And why limit such reporting to only the use phase of products rather than all the production characteristics as well? Adopting a whole-of-system perspective, this conceptual article introduces a sustainability index for manufactured products with the aim to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable outcomes. Taking its place in a continuum of recent sustainability literature, and informed by a need to be more energy and resource efficient, reduce greenhouse gases and adopt industrial practices that are more in tune with natural processes, the index represents a pragmatic and commonsense approach to sustainability, if not climate change. As a production system optimisation tool, the index could allow businesses to better measure, manage and utilise their resources, resulting in improved financial performance.

History

Publication title

Australasian Journal of Environmental Management

Volume

21

Pagination

5-10

ISSN

1448-6563

Department/School

School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Taylor and Francis

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Sustainability indicators

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