Is it a challenge or is it an opportunity? Usually the answer to this question depends on one´s own perception. When we look at the challenges we are facing regarding climate change, growing energy demand and volatile energy prices, or scarcity and depletion of ressources, any company developing products and/or services has to develop it´s own position - whether taking resposibility is a challenge or an opportunity. In this paper the systematic approch of ECODESIGN and its implementation in product development is presented, considering the availabible methods and standards, and is illustrated with a real (rolling stock) product example.

Sustainable product development, Ecodesign, Life Cycle Assessment, Product Carbon Footprint, Environmental Product Declaration.

Wolfgang Wimmer
Professor
Vienna University of Technology
Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Institute for Engineering Design and Logistics Engineering
ECODESIGN / Sustainable Product Development