Introduction to the Eco-Design Methodology and the Role of Product Carbon Footprint

Eco-design is used as a tool in the manufacturing and services sectors for improving the sustainability of products by integrating environmental aspects into the design stage, where most of the product impacts are determined. Laws (e.g., EU eco-design directive) and international schemes (e.g., ISO 14006) have encouraged the use of eco-design by companies; in addition, the literature has reported advances in methodology and widespread case studies in different economic sectors. This chapter aims to show a combined design for environment (DfE) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for the implementation of eco-design by companies. The steps and tools of the methodology, as well as the most common strategies, are described. Product carbon footprint (PCF) plays an important role in the methodology in two main ways. First, PCF is one of the indicators that can be calculated with LCA, which has become a common environmental indicator used by companies, not only as quantitative data of the current environmental performance but also as a benchmark for further improvements. Second, PCF is used as a strategy for environmental communication to consumers through eco-labeling. The main strength of the carbon footprint is that stakeholders (business and consumers) are aware of and understand its meaning due to the presence of carbon emissions and global warming in mass media and public science studies.