Abstract: The project focused on the development of a DfE ("Design for Environment")-process aiming at integrating environmental criteria into the product development of the Valencia tramway. This process consists of a series of six modules: database, life cycle assessment, maintenance, recycling, product improvement and environmental communication, which present a reliable and well structured template for environmental product improvements. The results of this process consist of a material declaration, a life cycle assessment, recyclability rates, an evaluation of the maintenability as well as a green product concept with detailed improvement measures directed at the environmental, maintenance and recycling improval. Additionally three different types of environmental communication were being investigated. For B2B-communication, the instrument of an Evironmental Product Declaration which informs about LCA-results was proposed. For the end-user, interested in quickly comprehending the environmental profile of a given product, an energy efficiency label is the preffered communication method. In addition a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) can also be provided easily if an LCA was already conducted.

Duration: 02/2008 - 02/2011

Funding: Vienna Spots of Excellence - Zentrums für Innovation und Technologie

Partners:

• Bombardier Transportation Austria GmbH
• TU Wien, Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Hochleistungslasertechnik
• TU Wien, Institut für Mechanik und Mechatronik