Measuring and Indexing the Durability of Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Hamidreza Habibollahi Najaf Abadi (), Jeffrey W. Herrmann and Mohammad Modarres
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Hamidreza Habibollahi Najaf Abadi: Center for Risk and Reliability, A.J. Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Jeffrey W. Herrmann: Center for Risk and Reliability, A.J. Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Mohammad Modarres: Center for Risk and Reliability, A.J. Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Due to the large and unsustainable use of valuable natural resources and electronic waste generation worldwide, which poses risks to human health and the environment, different organizations have initiated efforts to shift from a linear economy to a circular economy. A crucial aspect of promoting a circular economy is improving product durability, which can reduce resource extraction and waste because products remain in use for a longer period. Methods for measuring and indexing durability should encourage consumers to buy more durable products and incentivize manufacturers to compete in improving durability. This paper reviews past research on measuring product durability. It proposes an overall framework based on the promise of product life as well as its readiness to perform required functions for indexing durability. Finally, it presents an example of durability assessment. The proposed framework enables manufacturers to improve the design and communication of product durability. Furthermore, it supports establishing durability standards by standard development organizations and promotes sustainability through durability initiatives.

Keywords: durability index; circular economy; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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