Evaluating the Potential Business Benefits of Ecodesign Implementation: A Logic Model Approach

Vinícius P. Rodrigues, Daniela C. A. Pigosso, Jakob W. Andersen and Tim C. McAloone
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Vinícius P. Rodrigues: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Daniela C. A. Pigosso: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Jakob W. Andersen: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Tim C. McAloone: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-26

Abstract: The business benefits attained from ecodesign programs in manufacturing companies have been regularly documented by several studies from both the academic and corporate spheres. However, there are still significant challenges for adopting ecodesign, especially regarding the evaluation of these potential business benefits prior to the actual ecodesign implementation. To address such gap, this study proposes an exploratory and theory-driven framework based on logic models to support the development of business cases for ecodesign implementation. The objective is to offer an outlook into how ecodesign implementation can potentially affect key corporate performance outcomes. This paper is based on a three-stage research methodology with six steps. Two full systematic literature reviews were performed, along with two thematic analyses and a grounded theory approach with the aim of developing the business case framework, which was then evaluated by seven industry experts. This research contributes to the literature of ecodesign especially by laying out an ecodesign-instantiated logic model, which is readily available to be adapted and customized for further test and use in practice. Discussions on the usefulness and applicability of the framework and directions for future research are presented.

Keywords: ecodesign implementation; business case; logic model; sustainable product development; performance framework; ecodesign maturity model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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