Ecodesign methods focused on remanufacturing

Understanding the product's ‘end-of-life’ is important to reduce the environmental impact of the products' final disposal. When the initial stages of product development consider end-of-life aspects, which can be established by ecodesign (a proactive approach of environmental management that aims to reduce the total environmental impact of products), it becomes easier to close the loop of materials. The ‘end-of-life’ ecodesign methods generally include more than one ‘end-of-life’ strategy. Since product complexity varies substantially, some components, systems or sub-systems are easier to be recycled, reused or remanufactured than others. Remanufacture is an effective way to maintain products in a closed-loop, reducing both environmental impacts and costs of the manufacturing processes. This paper presents some ecodesign methods focused on the integration of different ‘end-of-life’ strategies, with special attention to remanufacturing, given its increasing importance in the international scenario to reduce the life cycle impacts of products.     

Quantifying producer and consumer-based eco-efficiencies for the identification of key ecodesign issues

We can find numerous case studies showing eco-efficiency being used as an analytical tool in ecodesign. But, all of these studies show that eco-efficiency being used only as an evaluation tool for design alternatives, not as a tool for the identification of key ecodesign issues. Here, we propose that producer-based eco-efficiency and consumer-based eco-efficiency can be used in identifying key ecodesign issues, which encompass not only the environmental aspects of a product, but also other aspects such as product quality and consumer satisfaction. The applicability of the proposed method was evaluated using 19 digital cameras. The results show that it is possible to identify weak points of a product in relation to the environment, product quality, and consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, it is possible to design a product that is environmentally friendly, while still maintaining a high level of quality and consumer satisfaction.     

我国应逐步实施基于水质的排污许可管理

我国排污许可管理始于20世纪80年代中后期,经历了从探索、停滞到不断发展的历程.为研究我国排污许可的未来发展方向,对我国排污许可发展的历程和存在的问题,以及美国、欧盟等发达国家和地区的经验进行了分析.从我国排污许可的发展历程来看,我国第一阶段排污许可管理立法层次不高,反复试点、推进力度不够,且经济迅速发展导致污染物负荷量不断增长,客观上增加了排污许可实施的难度.“十三五”以来,我国已初步构建了以行业为基础的排污许可管理体系,但也面临着一系列的问题,主要是按行业发放排污许可难以与地表水水质直接挂钩、部分企业排污许可量过大难以约束企业排污、排污许可证核发任务重难以考虑水质达标要求、缺乏基于水质核发排污许可限值的管理实施细则等.针对上述问题,分析了以美国和欧盟为代表的发达国家和地区的排污许可管理经验,表明基于水质达标是实施排污许可管理的基本法律内涵和发展方向.在国内外排污许可发展经验教训总结的基础上,结合我国目前排污许可的实施进展,建议我国逐步实施基于水质的排污许可管理,主要措施有完善基于水质的行政区、流域和控制单元排污许可总量审核系统,编制和修订排污许可证管理相关技术规范,以水质达标为目标完善流域排放标准,完善基于水质的排污许可监管和处罚机制,尽快开展基于水质的排污许可示范,扩大公众参与等.“十四五”时期,建议我国的排污许可制应从重视系统体系构建,逐步过渡到基于水质的排污许可管理,并制订有针对性的管理法规和政策措施.      

Economic benefits tied to ecodesign

This paper reports results of an empirical study conducted to assess the profitability of ecodesigned products. Indeed, the advantages related to ecodesign are numerous according to the literature on the subject. Not only is it considered to be an efficient environmental approach, it is also said to carry a number of economic advantages for the firms adopting it. Among these advantages, the potential reduction of costs and an increase in revenues are the most important drivers. Nevertheless, the economic benefits have not been demonstrated, only indicated as a potential outcome. The main purpose of the study was to assess the economic impact of ecodesigned products and to compare the results of French companies with those of Quebec.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 firms on their related ecodesign experience (15 in France, 15 in Quebec), the subsequent results were reached pertaining to the economic benefits tied to such an approach. In 24 cases, firms increased their profits with ecodesigned products. In three cases, profits are equivalent and in the three remaining cases, it is not obvious that the increased revenues compensate for the reduction of margin. French companies were found to be more profitable than the Quebec cases; this can be explained by the fact that French companies have a more systemic approach and therefore manage to make cost savings at several stages in the product life-cycle. We can conclude that the most important aspects to consider when getting involved in an ecodesign project is to focus on increased functionality of the product and to seek environmental and economic improvement on as many life-cycle stages as possible.     

The fiscal implications of climate change and policy responses

This paper is concerned with the implications of climate change, and government policies to address it, for countries’ fiscal systems at the national level. Given the uncertainties associated with climate change and countries’ responses to it, the article can do no more than review and suggest some of the major issues of likely importance for fiscal sustainability and how they might be addressed. First the paper defines fiscal sustainability and addresses some general issues related to countries’ attempts to adapt to or mitigate climate change. It then works through a number of more specific issues, discussing policies such as the implementation of environmental taxes or other instruments for the mitigation of climate change. The assessment of the impacts of such policies on fiscal sustainability requires the application of sophisticated economic models, and the paper briefly explores the relative advantages of different modeling approaches in relation to the assessment of fiscal sustainability under policies to mitigate climate change. The major research need identified by the paper is for the development of macroeconomic models that will enable countries identify the wider effects of environmental taxes and help them undertake multi-year budgeting processes.     

Ecodesign tools for designers: defining the requirements

This paper presents the findings from a research project which set out to understand the type of requirements that industrial designers have of ecodesign tools, through the use of a web based prototype. Through qualitative data collection and analysis a number of important criteria for ecodesign tools were identified. The conclusions recognise the importance of developing holistic tools for industrial designers, identifying that a combination of guidance, education and information, along with well considered content, appropriate presentation and easy access, are all critical to their success. A framework for ecodesign tools for industrial designers is presented along with the evolution of ‘Information/Inspiration’ into a fully working web-based tool.     

Redesign of a component based on ecodesign practices: environmental impact and cost reduction achievements

This paper focuses on ecodesign and its application in the footwear industry aiming to identify how the ecodesign can be applied to the redesign of a shoe component in order to minimize the environmental impact and simultaneously reduce costs of production and assembling. The factors that influence the use of ecodesign, the benefits and the difficulties were also investigated. A longitudinal case study was developed in a company that produces shoe stiffeners. The process of ecodesign implementation and the practices of ecodesign considered during the product redesign were analyzed. A cost reduction of about 10% was observed (in relation to the use of natural fibers and polymers in its composition-31% of biomass and 69% of fossil material). Toxic materials were completely eliminated and a reduction of energy consumption was also noticed (during the injection process). The main contributions of this study are: ecodesign constructs to be further researched the conjoint analysis of technological ability and market potential in a redesign project, and the requirements to gain managerial support for a redesign project.     

Fostering change to sustainable consumption and production: an evidence based view

This “Note from the field,” is an edited version of a policy brief summarizing the key findings from the first half of the Sustainable Consumption Research Exchange network (SCORE!) for the policy programs in the field of sustainable consumption and production (SCP). We recommend a framework for action to change to SCP that mentions the key domains to include food, mobility, and energy use/housing (the last two clearly related to urban development). It should use a systemic perspective on the SCP challenge and differentiate between developed, fast developing, and base of the pyramid economies. SCORE! focuses mainly on developed economies, and here we propose to differentiate between: (1) measures that fit with mainstream beliefs and paradigms. Here, governments could make operational agreements on implementation of instruments like green public procurement, stimulating ecodesign, etc. (2) Problems where a rough agreement on goals exists, but where change is radical, or means are uncertain, and hence planning difficult. Here, governments could foster visioning, experimentation, and support e.g. international collaboration in leapfrogging programs. (3) Problems that outright clash with the mainstream beliefs and paradigms. Here, governments could foster informed deliberation on the more fundamental issues related to markets, governance and growth.     

Integrating ecodesign by conducting changes in SMEs

Despite the progressive use of ecodesign in the industrial world, taking into account environmental constraints remains problematical for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which seem to be remaining on the fringe of the movement. Beyond the lack of environmental culture in the enterprises, the problem stems from the ecodesign tools which have not been designed with any thought of integrating them into the enterprises' organisation. There is indeed no method for ecodesign integration in companies. We show in this article that, while in fact there is a thorough and varied set of ecodesign tools available, they will not allow ecodesign to become more widespread while they remain tools for experts. We are therefore putting forward a method to carry out the integration of ecodesign in SMEs during demonstration projects implemented with the assistance of advisory centres specialised in the industrial sector of the company.     

Implementing environmental with other standardized management systems: Scope,sequence, time and integration

The aim of this article is to analyze how the implementation of the environmental management system (EMS) in accordance with the ISO 14001: 2004 standard has been carried out in organizations having more than one standardized Management System (MSs). In particular, four implementation aspects will be discussed, namely the different management system standards (MSSs) used for registration, for example ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 27001 and SA 8000, the order in which they were implemented, the time required for each implementation, as well as the scope of integration of these MSSs into a single Integrated Management System (IMS).In order to do so, some of the results of a survey carried out in 176 organizations registered to, at a minimum, both ISO 14001: 2004 and ISO 9001: 2000 standards for environmental and quality management, respectively, are presented. As one of the few existing empirical studies regarding the integration of multiple MSs, this research reveals the importance of the different possibilities which organizations can opt for when considering EMS implementation. For example, while most respondents implemented ISO 9001 before ISO 14001, others did so simultaneously or even applied ISO 14001 first. Furthermore, although a large majority of organizations integrated their EMS with additional standardized MSs, a small percentage did not. Apart from illustrating the survey outcomes, the article contains a detailed case analysis of four specific organizations with high environmental awareness that have implemented quality and other standardized MSs.     

出口贸易和FDI加剧了资源型城市的环境污染吗?——基于中国285个地级城市面板数据的经验研究

论文沿用经典EKC分析框架,在现有资源型城市环境污染研究基础上加入了出口贸易开放度、利用外资水平、研发水平及污染治理水平等因素。分析基于2005—2012年中国285个地级城市（包括115个资源型城市和170个非资源型城市）的面板数据,考虑可能存在的内生性问题,使用固定效应模型和工具变量GMM估计的方法,实证考察了出口贸易和FDI是否加剧了资源型城市的环境污染。研究表明,出口贸易显著地加剧了中国资源型城市的环境污染,FDI则在一定程度上加剧了环境污染;中国主要地级城市的人均收入和环境污染呈“倒U型”的库兹涅茨关系;环境影响因素对各类资源型城市污染排放产生的作用具有异质性,原因在于不同类型城市存在不同的资源依赖程度和技术水平。最后,论文对中国现阶段部分有关资源开采与相关外商投资、资源型城市发展等政策与规划及其存在的问题进行整理,并根据经验研究结论得到相关政策启示。     

Methodology of ecodesign for the development of more sustainable electro-electronic equipments

The methodologies are fundamental in the design process, tracing guidelines for the new products development. In this sense, the present work “Methodology of ecodesign for the development of more sustainable electro-electronic equipments” considers the application of a methodology with emphasis in the Design for Environment.     

Sediment quality guidelines and assessment: overview and research needs

Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the EPA is responsible for protecting the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Toxic contaminants in bottom sediments of the nation’s lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal water create the potential for continued environmental degradation, even where water column contaminant levels comply with established water quality criteria. In response, EPA has developed an Agency-wide Contaminated Sediment Strategy to address the problem of contaminated sediments. One key feature of this strategy is the development of Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). SQGs would be used to assess the extent of sediment contamination, or to implement measures designed to limit or prevent additional contamination. A number of specific technical approaches for the development of SQGs that are based on theoretical and empirical foundations have been proposed, including effects-based correlative approaches, equilibrium partitioning, and consensus using a combination of approaches. While each have their own advantages and limitations, any SQG must consider the bio-availability of contaminants in the sediment and the ecological realism associated with the implementation. Therefore, it is clear that the implementation of any SQG will incorporate biological testing. Based on the current state of the science, EPA will likely proceed with the establishment of formal SQGs which will rely heavily on the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) approach. There are a number of significant research needs that will need to be addressed as the EqP approach is implemented, including sediment quality modeling, sediment toxicity identification evaluations, studies that address bio-availability, studies that address the relative importance of exposure via sediment ingestion or ingestion of contaminated benthos, toxicological demonstrations of applicability of any SQGs, field verification, extension of the non-ionic mixture models to non-PAH compounds, and the establishment of toxicological databases (with benthic organisms) for standard toxicity endpoints.     

Concept of technical support to science–policy interfacing with respect to the implementation of the European water framework directive

In the implementation of water policies, such as the European water framework directive (WFD), good interaction between policy development and implementation, and the science is of crucial importance. This requires new knowledge and insights to be taken into account in the policy design and development. It also requires the results of Research and Technology Development (RTD) projects, including ICT decision supporting instruments such as tools and models, to be transferred towards policy implementation. These science–policy interrelationships are, however, at this moment not as efficient as it should/could be. This is due to limited operational links with water managers in many water-related RTD projects, such that the needs of policy makers are not taken into account at a sufficient level. Due to this and other reasons, newly developed tools from the research community most often insufficiently transfer to operational use by water managers. Better research integration consequently is required at the various stages of policy developments (identification, design, implementation and review).Within the framework of the Harmoni-CA project for the European Commission, the development of a science–policy interfacing instrument is initiated in order to meet the above-mentioned science–policy gap problems [Quevauviller, Ph., Balabanis, P., Fragakis, C., Weydert, M., Oliver, M., Kaschl, A., Arnold, G., Kroll, A., Galbiati, L., Zaldivar, J.M., Bidoglio, G., 2005. Science–policy integration needs in support of the implementation of the EU water framework directive. Env. Sci. Policy 8 (3), 203–211; Arnold G.E., de Lange, W.J., Blind, M.W., 2005. The Conserted Action Harmoni-CA facilitating the dialogue and bridging the gap between research and WFD implementation. Env. Sci. Policy 8 (3), 213–218]. This paper describes a concept developed by the authors, on how the science–policy interfacing technically can be supported through the bi-directional linking of various types of information sources identified as potential means for enhancing the interfacing mechanism. The information sources identified are policy implementation tasks (at the policy side), and ICT tools, methodologies and guidances (as results of RTD projects). Experiences on the application of RTD results in policy implementation tasks are one of the glue elements between these information sources in combination with activity-related and contextual keywords.     

条件价值评估法本土化改进及其验证——来自武汉的实证研究

运用条件价值评估法(CVM)评估资源环境等非市场物品价值是近年来国外研究的热点问题。20世纪90年代后期,国内开始陆续出现以CVM评估非市场价值的研究案例,多数文献集中在该方法的应用层面。论文以武汉市耕地非市场价值评估为研究目标,紧密结合现实国情和武汉市的具体情况,针对耕地非市场价值内涵界定、WTP与WTA选择、价值评估影响人群界定、WTP累加、支付方式选择等多个技术环节展开探索性研究,结合实际对传统CVM理论模型进行了修正。CVM问卷调查分析表明,在论文所定义的耕地价值内涵下,具有武汉户籍农村居民的平均WTP为22d,耕地非市场价值为1523.83元/hm₂。     

旅游环境影响研究进展与启示

旅游环境影响是旅游环境和旅游影响研究中的重要内容,可为旅游区环境资源保护与管理提供基本依据,对生态旅游及可持续旅游的发展具有重要意义。为探讨旅游环境影响研究中存在的问题及发展方向,在参阅大量研究文献的基础上,从研究进程、研究内容、研究方法和研究结果等方面论述了国外旅游环境影响研究进展,对国内旅游环境影响研究按时间进展进行了评述。从旅游环境影响发展及研究现状来看,丰富和深化研究内容、扩展研究尺度、改进研究方法与技术,加强应用性研究等将是未来一定时期内旅游环境影响研究的主题;国内旅游环境影响研究应在借鉴国外先进研究方法与研究成果的基础上,结合国内实际,扩展研究领域,改进研究方法、加强实证研究和管理应用研究。     

Experiences from early stages of a national industrial symbiosis programme in the UK: determinants and coordination challenges

This paper reviews the factors influencing the development and sustained operation of regional industrial symbiosis (IS) networks and discusses the roles a coordination body can play to alter these factors so as to catalyse the development and functioning of such networks. These are analysed within the context of experiences gained in the early stages of three regional IS programmes under development in the UK, and of the recently launched national IS programme (NISP) that they are part of. It is stated that the policy framework in the UK has elements supportive of such networks to evolve, and the regional public bodies are favouring their development. Based on differences among studied cases, it is argued that the nature of companies’ operations and industrial history in the regions, the extent of peer pressure, the positioning of the coordinating body in the region, and its approach to awareness raising and recruitment have major influence on the progress of the programmes. Finally, the paper emphasises the importance of aligning the characteristics of emerging operations with the longer-term sustainability requirements. If accepted, this challenge assigns additional responsibilities to the coordinating parties.     

On the significance of adult play: what does social play tell us about adult horse welfare?

Play remains a mystery and adult play even more so. More typical of young stages in healthy individuals, it occurs rarely at adult stages but then more often in captive/domestic animals, which can imply spatial, social and/or feeding deprivations or restrictions that are challenging to welfare, than in animals living in natural conditions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that adult play may reflect altered welfare states and chronic stress in horses, in which, as in several species, play rarely occurs at adult stages in natural conditions. We observed the behaviour (in particular, social play) of riding school horses during occasional outings in a paddock and measured several stress indicators when these horses were in their individual home boxes. Our results revealed that (1) the number of horses and rates of adult play appeared very high compared to field report data and (2) most stress indicators measured differed between ‘players’ and ‘non-players’, revealing that most ‘playful’ animals were suffering from more chronic stress than ‘non-playful’ horses. Frequency of play behaviour correlated with a score of chronic stress. This first discovery of a relationship between adult play and altered welfare opens new lines of research that certainly deserves comparative studies in a variety of species.     

Paving the way for the ISO 14006 ecodesign standard: an exploratory study in Spanish companies

A Spanish ecodesign standard (the UNE 150301) is being used as a basic reference point in paving the way for the future ISO 14006 ecodesign standard which may foreseeably be passed in 2011. This article aims to analyze the experience regarding adoption of the UNE 150301 in Spain.Following an analysis of the standard’s structure, its objectives and scope, its real implementation process is then analyzed based on an exploratory qualitative study carried out in four Spanish companies that have been pioneers in adopting this environmental standard. The conclusion is drawn in the article that in all the cases analyzed, the greatest source of impact occurs in the phase in which the product is used and is related to energy consumption. Companies appear to be satisfied with the adoption of this standard and, in particular, point out that they have managed to reduce the environmental impact of their products. However, they draw attention to the fact that, to deal with certain instances of impact that increases in cost entail, administrative bodies need to establish mandatory regulations, as environmentally-friendly companies would otherwise lose competitiveness.     

海洋经济规划评估技术方法与实证研究

当前海洋经济规划评估的重要性日趋凸显,在保障海洋经济规划与海洋开发活动的循序渐进实施、促进海洋经济的持续健康发展上具有极其重要的作用与意义。本文在总结海洋经济规划评估内容的基础上,开展了海洋经济规划评估方法的研究,从规划实施结果、效果、效率三方面进行探讨,设计构建了海洋经济规划的评估指标体系,并通过《天津市海洋经济和海洋事业发展"十二五"规划》后评估进行应用示范。结果表明,该海洋经济评估技术方法具有一定实用意义。