Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM
Environmental assessment of electronic products
By including the entire life-cycle we pursue a holistic examination of innovations and the development of practicable solutions. The eco-design of new electronic products and the development of environmentally sound production processes is our core competence. The translation of technological trends into a sustainable development calls for quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures – such as the Design for Environment methods we have developed. Together with industrial partners, electronic products are analysed in order to improve their environmental efficiency. The technological expertise of Fraunhofer IZM opens up new scope for the targeted development of technology.
Our portfolioregarding the environmental assessment in the fields of information and communications technology and consumer electronics includes:
- Assessment with screening methods for selected environmental parameters (toxicity, GHG emissions, resource consumption), including simplified environmental assessment methodology through the Eco-design Directive (MEEuP / MEErP)
- Developing adapted assessment methods, e.g. UmbrellaSpec approach for components and comprehensive system assessment for ICT infrastructure / data centres
- Product Carbon Footprint Analysis in accordance with the GHG Protocol, PAS 2050, ISO 14067
- Review of Life Cycle Assessments in accordance with ISO 14040 / 14044 and Product Carbon Footprint studies
- Support with the selection and use of suitable assessment procedures and LCA software tools
- Compliance with EPEAT criteria in accordance with IEEE 1680 for computers, laptops, monitors, printers, multifunction devices and televisions
- Systematic data surveys along the supply chain
- Comparisons of products and use strategies, e.g. e-books and print media
- Benchmarking
The assessment results can be used to derive measures for product and service optimisation. We offer support such as:
- Recommendations of priorities for product optimisation
- Development of product-related eco-design measures
- Adaptation of business models for sustainable corporate and product strategies, e.g. re-use strategies
- System optimisation
- Transparent and plausible communication of assessment results