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A sustainability index for manufactured products? A conceptual paper
Citation
Ashley, P, A sustainability index for manufactured products? A conceptual paper, Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 21, (1) pp. 5-10. ISSN 1448-6563 (2014) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2014 Taylor and Francis
DOI: doi:10.1080/14486563.2013.848175
Abstract
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 Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | sustainability reporting, environmental management systems, industrial eco-efficiency, product stewardship, waste avoidance |
Research Division: | Environmental Sciences |
Research Group: | Environmental management |
Research Field: | Environmental management |
Objective Division: | Environmental Policy, Climate Change and Natural Hazards |
Objective Group: | Environmental policy, legislation and standards |
Objective Field: | Sustainability indicators |
UTAS Author: | Ashley, P (Dr Peter Ashley) |
ID Code: | 90940 |
Year Published: | 2014 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 2 |
Deposited By: | Geography and Environmental Studies |
Deposited On: | 2014-05-02 |
Last Modified: | 2017-10-31 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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