Application of ecodesign in the company Steelcase

Steelcase International Inc. Company. with its subsidiaries in Europe and North America operates in the manufacturing of office furniture in global markets. After 2000, the company decided to issue by integrating environmental considerations into research and development of their products, thus wanted to ensure competitive advantage and long-term leadership position in the global markets. To achieve results, cooperation has contributed a multidisciplinary team of Steelcase International Inc. with the Technical University of Vienna, who provided expertise and training support tool EcoDesign Pilot and Technical University of Denmark, which supported the project its expertise in product life cycle assessment. Thus, a partnership has allowed a comprehensive approach for integration of environmental considerations throughout the product life cycle and to propose solutions that would both improve the environmental performance of products while significantly reducing material, manufacturing and operating costs.

At the initiative of senior management Steelcase International Inc.., In close cooperation with the division of Steelcase for science and research in Europe and in collaboration with universities was mentioned start of the process of continuous improvement processes in all departments of the company with the ultimate aim to create a modern, environmentally friendly product. For integration of ecodesign in terms of the need to:

•      Create a tailor-made tool to support the EcoDesign - FURNITURE - PILOT (EFP)
  
•      Create a tailor-made support tool called. Steelcase Material Selection Tool (MST)
  
•      Develop environmental product declaration (RSP) according to ISO 14025,
  
•      To introduce e-learning program to enhance skills development for engineers and other personnel involved.
  
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