scope:

This Technical Specification describes a methodology for reducing the overall environmental impact through product design and development that is tailored to mechanical products as defined in 2.1.

This methodology is particularly well suited to the redesign of an existing product; it can also be applied for the design of a new product provided the necessary assumptions regarding a (virtual) reference product are taken.

It addresses enterprises which have decided to integrate an eco-design approach to optimise environmental impacts within the product life cycle, in relation to the other product aspects, such as functionality, quality, costs, etc.

NOTE 1 This document targets persons who are directly involved in the design and development of mechanical products, as well as managers responsible for defining corporate policies, and decision-makers. The proposed methodology is intended to kick-start eco-design initiatives within companies as part of a teaching and continuous improvement approach.

This document also includes a template that enterprises may use as part of the communication on their environmental approach.

This document is neither intended nor suitable to compare products (even similar) of other suppliers. This document is neither intended nor suitable for certification purposes.

NOTE 2 An example of implementation of the methodology is given in Annex D; the basic principles for the establishment of this method are given in Annex E.