2005 Volume 1 Issue 3 Pages 201-205
The eco-efficiency of a product is defined as “product value per environmental impact”. Factor X is defined as the improvement rate of the eco-efficiency. In this paper, we present a method for quantifying the eco-efficiency of products using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). These well-known tools are widely used in Toshiba corporation.
In order to calculate the index of the product value, we introduce QFD, which is one of the methods for product planning based on consumer preferences. Applying the QFD method, quality characteristics of a product are weighted by voice of customer. A single index of a product value is expressed by sum of the weighted improvement rate of quality characteristics.
An environmental impact throughout a product life cycle is derived from the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) method. Applying an endpoint type of LCIA method, various environmental loads can be integrated into a single index.
In order to calculate the factor X indicator efficiently, a software tool has been developed by Toshiba. Using this tool, we applied this method to various products such as home appliances, social infrastructures, and components. Recently, eco-efficiency of all these products has improved markedly. Finally, a debate about the eco-efficiency and factor X is summarized.
