Policy Frameworks to Stimulate Environmental Technology in the Computer and211 Electronics Sector

摘要

The project examined how a sector approach to environmental policy can stimulate211u001ecleaner technology in the computer and electronics sector. Using the lens of this 211u001esector provides an opportunity to look at policies to address the likely 211u001eenvironmental problems of the next century and spur the use of innovative 211u001etechnology in solving them. The project combined analysis by the principal 211u001einvestigators with discussion and comments by an Electronics Working Group that 211u001eincluded members from companies, government, academia, and an environmental 211u001egroup. The tasks included (1) reviewing earlier approaches to environmental 211u001etechnology and environmental policy for sectors and defining use of these terms 211u001efor the project; (2) identifying the key characteristics of the computer and 211u001eelectronics sector that underlie its relationship to the environment; (3) 211u001edeveloping a case study on disk drives to provide grist for discussing policy 211u001edirections; (4) co-organizing a session on 'ecotransformation' of the electronics 211u001esector for the Sixth International Conference of the Greening of Industry 211u001eNetwork; (5) drafting the policy framework; and (6) serving as an incubator for 211u001eanother project on electronic innovation for climate protection and a limited 211u001eexploration of material flows. The principal investigators also drew on their 211u001eparticipation in the work of the Common Sense Initiative's Subcommittee on the 211u001eComputer and Electronics Sector.