Reducing negative environmental impact of products utilizing “Factor X” – an indicator that enables to evaluate products’ eco-efficiency

Abstract

The compatibility of dematerialization with economic growth is indispensable for the realization of a sustainable society, and it involves the question of how to improve eco-efficiency. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has proposed “Factor X” as the unique verifying method enables to evaluate eco-products in the environmental conscious design process based on consideration of MET (M: Material = effective utilization of resources; E: Energy = effective use of energy; T= Toxicity = prevention of emission of environmentally risky substances). Factor X is drawing attention as one of the management indices of a product design to reduce the negative environmental impact. Mitsubishi applied this calculation method to its products and unveiled their trial calculated values in December 2001. This paper describes the concept of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's Factor X, the degree of performance improvement, the degree of reduction of environmental impact, and the calculation method, by showing actual in-house application of design process as a case study.