A Trade-Off Navigation Framework as a Decision Support for Conflicting Sustainability Indicators within Circular Economy Implementation in the Manufacturing Industry

Mariia Kravchenko, Daniela C. A. Pigosso and Tim C. McAloone
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Mariia Kravchenko: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Section of Engineering Design and Product Development, Technical University of Denmark, Nils Koppels Alle, 404, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Daniela C. A. Pigosso: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Section of Engineering Design and Product Development, Technical University of Denmark, Nils Koppels Alle, 404, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Tim C. McAloone: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Section of Engineering Design and Product Development, Technical University of Denmark, Nils Koppels Alle, 404, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-26

Abstract: Integration of sustainability criteria from a triple bottom line perspective is considered a challenge for manufacturing actors, who are engaged in developing sustainability-oriented initiatives. The earlier in the development process the criteria are integrated and sustainability potential is evaluated, the more opportunities exist to introduce improvements and select an initiative with a highest sustainability potential. The challenge does not only lie in understanding what sustainability criteria to use to assess sustainability performance, but in managing conflicting results, known as trade-offs. Trade-offs are situations characterized by conflicts between the desired objectives, where it is impossible to satisfy all criteria simultaneously. Although sustainability trade-offs are common, there is a gap in the existing approaches for sustainability measurements to support trade-off dialogue and decision-making. If trade-offs are not acknowledged, there is a risk of accepting an initiative leading to sub-optimizations or higher impacts. Therefore, this study proposes a framework to support trade-off analysis in the early development stages of sustainability-oriented initiatives. The trade-off navigation framework relies on input data and a structured guidance, with the twofold objective: (i) help making trade-offs explicit, and (ii) provide a structured approach to support trade-off analysis and acceptability in a transparent manner. The purpose is to encourage a dynamic decision process and reinforce the knowledge of decision-makers about potential risks and opportunities behind their choices. Using a case of a product development involving CE principles, this paper discusses how a trade-off navigation framework was applied and evaluated by industrial and academic experts, leading to its improvement and identification of strengths and limitations.

Keywords: circular economy; sustainability indicators; triple bottom line; trade-offs; decision support; early development stages; business process (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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