Analysing environmental issues. A case study of a product under development

The aim of this case study was to systematically analyse the major environmental issues associated with the full life cycle of a business keyboard, from market through to end-of-life. From the analysis design improvements could be made which could significantly improve the products environmental performance. The study involved both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the key environmental issues using an abridged life cycle approach which involved techniques such as flow diagrams, matrices, profiling and checklists. The environmental criteria, from which the product could be analysed, were identified through consulting the major product stakeholders at each of the key life cycle stages. Some potential improvements were identified with a view to a long term modification of the design. A summary of the results from the study are given along with conclusions drawn and a brief discussion of planned further work.