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Current and potential ecodesign integration in small and medium enterprises: Construction and related industries

Author

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  • Matjaž Denac
  • Matevž Obrecht
  • Gregor Radonjič

Abstract

The ecodesign of products is becoming an important part of environmental and innovation policies in many sectors. The aim of this study was to understand how product ecodesign activities can be effectively introduced to stimulate step changes in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction and building sector, together with SMEs from related industrial sectors. Based on an interview study among Slovenian SMEs, the general level of managers’ awareness of how their products impact the environment and how they understand the concept of product ecodesign to provide potential measures for ecodesign implementation was investigated. The results showed the quantified aggregate of degrees of implementation related to individual ecodesign strategies based on life cycle phases and individual environmental aspects. The study revealed that the most frequently implemented criteria were maximizing product lifetime and ease of reuse, disassembly and recycling. The highest ecodesign implementation level was observed in the “design for use” phase.

Suggested Citation

  • Matjaž Denac & Matevž Obrecht & Gregor Radonjič, 2018. "Current and potential ecodesign integration in small and medium enterprises: Construction and related industries," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(7), pages 825-837, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:27:y:2018:i:7:p:825-837
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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