FOR APPLICATIONS OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS TG158

摘要

As one of the first global chemical companies BASF has developed a quantitative tool to support strategic and operative decisions assessing sustainability. To date, more than 190 studies in all areas of production and products have been carried out. The eco-efficiency analysis determines the economic and the ecological (according to ISO 14040) impacts of products/processes from the view of the end customer and compares different possibilities to satisfy the customer's need. The results are used for strategic portfolio decisions, for market and political communi- cation. In the presentation, the method will be discussed, different examples will be shown and the consequences will be pointed out. One example will be a software tool, which enables Moroccan dyeing companies to increase their eco-efficiency in production. This project was carried out within the global compact program in cooperation with UN-organizations. The huge number of quantitative results allows a total evaluation about success factors for sustainable products. With that knowledge BASF is able to control its product portfolio very effectively, which results in reduced environmental impact and simultaneously improved profit.