A sustainability index for manufactured products? A conceptual paper

Abstract

If we can put energy and water efficiency ratings on white goods and publish fuel efficiency data for vehicles, why cannot we extend that reporting model to all of the things we make? And why limit such reporting to only the use phase of products rather than all the production characteristics as well? Adopting a whole-of-system perspective, this conceptual article introduces a sustainability index for manufactured products with the aim to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable outcomes. Taking its place in a continuum of recent sustainability literature, and informed by a need to be more energy and resource efficient, reduce greenhouse gases and adopt industrial practices that are more in tune with natural processes, the index represents a pragmatic and commonsense approach to sustainability, if not climate change. As a production system optimisation tool, the index could allow businesses to better measure, manage and utilise their resources, resulting in improved financial performance.

Keywords:

• sustainability reporting
• environmental management systems
• industrial eco-efficiency
• product stewardship
• waste avoidance

Acknowledgements

I thank two anonymous reviewers and the Editors for their helpful comments.