Improving eco-design projects through better understanding of the company characteristics and business context
Year: 2013
Editor: Udo Lindemann, Srinivasan V, Yong Se Kim, Sang Won Lee, John Clarkson, Gaetano Cascini
Author: Buckingham, Molly; Dekoninck, Elies; McMahon, Chris
Series: ICED
Institution: 1: University of Bath, United Kingdom; 2: University of Bristol, United Kingdon
Page(s): 337-345
ISBN: 978-1-904670-46-9
ISSN: 2220-4334
Abstract
This paper examines the role of the supported pilot project in introducing and embedding eco-design practices. This is achieved through the documentation of a pilot project that failed to achieve a desired level of embedded change. A comprehensive review of this project identifies the often overlooked impact the company's characteristics and business context, had on the project outcomes achieved. The level of impact observed within this review suggests that more successful outcomes would be have been achieved if the pilot project had been more closely aligned to the company's specific situation. With this in mind the paper develops a Company Characterisation Process and identifies key company features that should be documented and addressed within eco-design pilot project briefs.
This research encourages a more customised approach to eco-design pilot projects with the aim of supporting environmental design change from within an organisation rather than imposing it externally.The goal is to help future eco-design pilot projects achieve more embedded outcomes that lead to lasting change within industry.
Keywords: Eco design, design management, design practice, knowledge-action gap