Externalities within product development gives innovation opportunities
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG - Centrum för produktrelaterad miljöanalys |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 700 000 |
| Project duration | November 2012 - August 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The project aims at increasing the understanding of the industrial potential, which lies in considering environmental damage costs at an early stage of product development. We have 1) mapped existing methods for estimating environmental damage costs, 2) Identified opportunities and barriers in using external costs early in product development, 3) had group discussions within CPMs working group´ Get the prices right´, 4) organized a workshop, 5) presented two posters at LCM2013 and 6) made a proposal to stage 2, where Chalmers, IVL, AB Volvo, AkzoNobel och SCA participates.
Results and expected effects
The mapping of existing methods for the estimation of environmental damage costs includes 14 methods. Some are specifically developed for assessment of products, some aims at specific environmental issues. The methods differ in terms of temporal and special focus, which type of cost they assess, and which type of environmental impact they include. There is a clear need for harmonized methodology. The project has been able to fulfill its goals and no change in its aim seems necessary.
Approach and implementation
The project has been carried out according to its plan. We have had good support through the LCM 2013 conference, which has had a separate session on ´preparing for right prices´. There is a great difference between different actors in their thoughts about the potential in using environmental damage costs in development of business and products. The difference is great between companies, but also between people in the same companies. This means that we need a good balance between being leader and follower in future projects.