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.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	sustainability reporting, environmental management systems, industrial eco-efficiency, product stewardship, waste avoidance
Research Division:	Environmental Sciences
Research Group:	Environmental Science and Management
Research Field:	Environmental Management
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation
Objective Field:	Sustainability Indicators
Author:	Ashley, P (Dr Peter Ashley)
ID Code:	90940
Year Published:	2014
Web of Science® Times Cited:	1
Deposited By:	Geography and Environmental Studies
Deposited On:	2014-05-02
Last Modified:	2017-10-31
Downloads:	0