Lifecycle costing was one of those things oft mentioned but rarely acted upon until recently.

Now, as green consciousness grips many clients, the m&e sector must be aware of the impact of the products it provides, not just from installation and subsequent use but also in initial manufacture and end-of-life recycling or disposal.

That is where product road-mapping comes in. The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has published You are what you sell, subtitled Product road-mapping: driving sustainability. It is an introduction to the concept of assessing and minimising the negative impact of products and services. It outlines how businesses and government can work together to deliver sustainable solutions, and how taking account of the entire lifecycle of products makes good business sense by saving money, improving reputation and allowing access to new markets.

Alan Knight, products and retail commissioner at the SDC, says: “Everything we consume has a story behind it: whether it’s an embarrassing catalogue of inefficient consumption of raw materials, thousands of miles of carbon-intensive transport and worker exploitation, or a positive story of responsible supply chain management.

“Focusing on the lifecycles of individual products and services using a road-mapping approach can help promote positive decision-making to resolve conflicting priorities and identify solutions in areas such as reducing waste and carbon, or improving labour conditions.”

The booklet contains:

  • a 12-point sustainability health-check for businesses, covering product development, manufacture, transport, product use and disposal, as well as the wellbeing of people involved in supply chains;
  • a toolbox of policy interventions for government and business to drive change;
  • a list of useful web links for further advice and information.

“Product road-mapping also makes good business sense,” Knight says. “Facing up to the social and environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle can improve businesses’ competitive edge, as well as benefiting people and the planet. A responsible approach can save money, attract customers and drive innovation to keep pace with a fast-changing world.”

The SDC is the government's independent advisory body of on sustainable development. To download the guide go to: www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications.php?id=624

Source

Building Sustainable Design