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The number of tools and approaches to develop sustainability is growing rapidly. Sometimes they are presented as if they are contradictory or in competition. However, a systems approach consistent with basic principles and the requirements of sustainability shows that these tools are complementary and can be used in parallel for strategic sustainable development. In fact, it is only when using these approaches outside of the systemic context of sustainability that they become contradictory. This paper is a collective effort of scientists who have pioneered some of these tools and approaches.The paper maps essential elements for developing sustainability and documents how these elements relate to the application of the respective tools. The objective is to show how these tools and approaches relate to each other and build on each other when used for planning for sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Innovation does not automatically lead to societal progress, as is implicitly assumed in technology push-oriented policies. This assumption is an inheritance of the Enlightenment; i.e., the belief that science will automatically lead to a better quality of life. The strive for sustainable development needs an approach towards innovation that can be characterised as society pull: the society has to decide which (balance of) economical, ecological and social goals are to be met. Society pull can be organised by developing shared perspectives for the future, which are inspiring for public and private policy-makers and investors. In this paper this is worked out as transition management: a process approach directing innovation towards sustainable development. A crucial aspect of transition management is that innovation is no longer driven by the past, but attracted by the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Industrial ecology (IE) has been characterized by a fragmented approach encompassing a number of different perspectives and analytical techniques. A uniform framework has yet to be established or proposed. This paper partially addresses this shortcoming by tracing some of the historical and intellectual antecedents of the field, providing a clear and concise lexicon of the biological analogue, and contrasting the two most promising analytical methods by which IE research may be carried out: life cycle assessment (LCA) and systems analysis. Although a number of comparative environmental metrics may be employed in cost-minimization or thermodynamic efficiency studies, no single measure is sufficiently developed to prioritize among qualitatively disparate types of environmental impacts. It is argued herein that the concept of chemical exergy of mixing may be the most promising basis for the development of a uniform, broad-based measure of chemical pollution, and that such a measure could significantly advance a scientific approach to IE. Some theoretical background is presented, although the reasoning herein is intended to be accessible to an interdisciplinary audience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Significant environmental improvements can often be achieved by integrating environmental properties as an optimisation parameter in product development together with more traditional values such as production costs, functionality, aesthetics etc. This paper presents a professional method intended for managers based on quantitative life cycle assessment to identify environmental ‘hot spots’ in a reference product''s life cycle and to select new environmentally optimised solutions for a new product. The paper takes its starting point in traditional procedures for product development (idea, analysis, goal definition, concept development and detail development) and shows step by step how the environmental properties of the new product can be optimised and thus contribute to the overall competitiveness of the new product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

‘Environmental risk minimization’ is a major issue of cleaner production objectives. Cleaner production is a concept that goes beyond simple pollution control and hence, its objectives cannot be ensured unless (a) risks of environmental threats (accidental chemical reactions, release of hazardous gases/contamination, and/or liquids/untreated effluents, etc.) triggered by a probable technological mishap or a natural calamity and (b) existing background level of pollution/contamination and ecological sensitivity are taken into account while selecting a suitable site for developing an industrial complex. Development of industrial growth centres (IGCs) has been initiated in India to accommodate a range of small and medium scale industries that are the major contributors to the economies in developing countries. Selection of safer sites for IGCs, thus, has become a serious concern because of synchronous activities, synergistic pollution effects and risks of accidental releases and discharges.The paper discusses the adverse effects of potential interaction between natural risk factors and industrial systems, highlights regional risk management issues and the role of proper site selection in establishing IGCs. Reviewing the current efforts of industrial siting and developmental planning, a new tool ‘environmental risk mapping’ to guide the planning process regarding the development of IGCs has been proposed and its operational framework has been delineated. Further planning issues for suggested IGC sites and the role of the proposed approach in regional environmental impact assessment and environmental management planning have also been analyzed while summarizing the expected benefits over the current practices. Although the proposed approach has been developed for application in India, its usefulness can be claimed in many developing countries as there predominates a diversity of geophysiographic features, as well as regional proneness to many natural and technological hazards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Flooring materials, particularly ceramic and marble tiles, play a relevant role in the Italian economy since this country covers respectively 23% and 18% of the world output in this sector. In this paper a comparative Life Cycle Assessment between these two flooring materials has been carried out in order to identify the one with the best environmental profile and the hot spots of the two systems. The analysis has shown a better environmental profile for the marble tile, a particular relevance of the energy consumption in both the system and, in the ceramic system, the critical point has been found in the raw material used for the glaze manufacturing which are responsible, during the firing process, for the relevant arsenic emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The goal of this research was to learn about the level of knowledge in Polish industrial organizations about the principles of cleaner production and also to identify some barriers to implementation of cleaner production strategies. In order to gain this information, a special questionnaire with fundamental questions related to environmental attitudes was distributed to various Polish enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to characterize the state of cleaner production in Poland based on the results of this survey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

While the ecological impacts of clean technologies are generally well known, the impact of clean technologies on employment is indeterminate from a theoretical point of view and also a question which needs to be answered empirically. This paper presents the results of a survey of companies in five European countries. While the quantitative impact on employment in companies adopting clean technologies is slightly positive, the main effects of clean technologies lie in the qualitative sphere. On the one hand, there are significant improvements in qualifications and physical elements of the working environment such as the reduction in noise and emissions. On the other hand, changes in the working organization are also significant. These changes particularly include more flexible working time schedules, contracts and working relations. Econometric estimations show that the effects are different according to the technologies adopted, the size and branch of the companies, the cleaner production programs involved, the motivation of companies to adopt clean technologies and finally, the extent to which employees could participate in the decision-making and adoption process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Identification and assessment of environmental aspects are crucial to an environmental management system, since significant aspects are decisive for other parts of the system. Stringency and transparency in identification and assessment are necessary if this process is to be reproducible. Reproducibility is in turn important for the credibility of the entire management system. A survey of the identification and assessment processes within the integrated forest product company Stora Enso has shown inadequacies regarding the reproducibility. Positive features and areas of improvement have been identified. The results of the survey are the basis for the development of a new, more reproducible method. This paper includes an approach for this new method that focuses on the identification process. The method is based on life cycle assessment methodology according to the international standards ISO 14040-42 and the documentation format in ISO 14048. The environmental aspects are aggregated in a classification and characterisation into impact categories. The categories are then used as operations environmental performance indicators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Environmental characteristics of products are increasingly investigated. Much research focuses on environmental implications of design decisions and on methods to determine and influence products’ environmental impacts. Less attention is paid to the organizational consequences of such insights. This paper aims to contribute to this discussion by describing and analyzing organizational aspects of product-oriented environmental management (POEM) from an individual firm’s perspective. Important motives for firms to engage in POEM are addressing stakeholder interests and obtaining a competitive advantage. Specific capabilities are required to organize POEM. In the process of building such capabilities, managerial decision-makers play an important role. Two case studies from the chemical industry provide interesting viewpoints on the organization of POEM: creating sufficient flexibility, a broad involvement across functions, and a managerial ability to identify and build the required capabilities are proposed as important factors in the process of organizing POEM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of the paper is to identify major strategic issues for a firm aiming for change towards ecologically sustainable activities in its network. One purpose is to develop and apply a theoretical approach that takes the strategic actions of the firm and its network context into consideration. Empirically, the aim is to identify, describe and categorize various strategic issues when an actor aims to introduce waste recycling activities in its network. The framework is applied to a case describing a food retail chain’s ecological re-positioning in a system for the recycling of waste. The paper identifies a set of strategic issues including managerial implications for a firm that takes on the role of change agent in its industrial network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diminishing the ecological effects of products has become an important focus of corporate environmental strategies. Based on empirical research by the author and published sources, this paper presents a conceptual framework of six types of product chain management. By looking at several categories of costs and benefits for different actors (suppliers, producers, distributors, consumers) associated with each of these types, the framework focusses on their differential nature. In addition, the diversity in strategies open to each of these actors in the product chain is a main focus of the paper. The use of the framework as an analytical as well as an interventionist tool is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper provides an overview of Integrated Product Policy (IPP). It stresses scientific approaches, describes the development process of IPP within the European Union and analyses the activities in several countries. In this context, a development model is introduced to illustrate the varying dynamics of adopting this approach and putting it into practice. Finally, the paper ends with some challenges for the future IPP-process, namely linkage IPP/innovation, clarification and concretisation of the concept at the example of some pilot projects, linkage IPP and sustainability and possible additional development stages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Co-production of electricity, district heat and industrial heat/process steam (heat and power, CHP) has been applied to a large, national scale, in only a few countries in the world, Denmark, The Netherlands and Finland. In this production method, the waste energy from electricity production is used in two quality levels. First, industrial process steam requirements can be met with this residual energy. Second, the waste energy is used in local district heating networks for households and other buildings in a city. In this integrated production method, a total fuel efficiency of 85% can be achieved. Through the technique of fluidized bed combustion, modern CHP plants can use coal and oil, and in addition, heterogeneous fuels such as biomass, industrial wastes and recycled fuels from households. In this paper, the CHP method is considered in terms of four categories of material and energy flows. For the purpose of considering the potential environmental gains and the difficulties of this production method when applied to integrated waste management and energy production, the four suggested categories are: matter (biomass) (1), nutrients (2), energy (3) and carbon (4). Corporate environmental management inventory tools, decision-making tools, management, organisational and administrative tools as well as information management tools that could be used in CHP-related material and energy flow management are shortly discussed. It is argued that for CHP energy and environmental management, it can be important to adopt an approach to networks of firms, rather than to an individual firm. The presented material and energy flow model may contribute to assessing, planning and implementing of CHP-based waste management and cleaner energy production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main objective of this project was to evaluate the possibility of reducing the quantity of fibre wasted at one of many hydrocyclone (centrifugal) cleaning processes in a paper mill. It was found that the application of elutriation water to both the tertiary and quaternary cleaners was essential to minimise the fibre discharged to the sewer, and the pressure of this elutriation water had a dramatic effect of reducing the fibre wastage. Accordingly, it has been shown that 150–160 kPa as the optimum pressure range to apply elutriation water to minimise the product grade fibre wasted whilst sending undesired shive fibre to the sewer. Also, monitoring of the press uhle box wastewater revealed that the paper mill has the potential to make substantial cost savings by reducing the waste stream. Further investigation is necessary to determine the types of fibre that are being wasted, and the viability of a screen to recycle the wasted fibre to the process. However, these fibres may be unsuitable to reuse in the process and alternative uses must be found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Energy efficiency in the Japanese industry is one of the highest in the world. As a consequence, reduction of CO2 emissions is considered to be difficult and costly. However little attention has been paid as of yet to changes related to so-called non-energy use of fossil fuels. The analysis in this paper suggests that a large number of options exist for emission reduction in the Japanese petrochemical industry. This includes the introduction of biomass feedstocks, the introduction of new catalytic production processes, and changes in waste handling. The use of bioplastics and the use of CO2 feedstocks seem costly options for GHG emission reduction that should not be applied on the short term. Japanese GHG emissions can be reduced by 7.7% if the optimal set of emission mitigation options is applied. About 60 Mt emission reduction (4.9%) can be achieved by changes on the supply side, another 35 Mt emission reduction (2.8%) can be achieved by changes in waste management. While changes in waste management can be implemented before 2010, biomass introduction on the supply side will probably require a longer lead-time. About half of the emission reduction is cost–effective, but will require further technology development. The other half can be achieved at a cost level of 10,000 yen/t CO2 (80 US$/t CO2). The latter part is based on proven technology that is currently not cost–effective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper is a contribution to the debate on the redefinition of needs and perspectives of university level education in the field of sustainable design. It discusses the role of design research in relation to the production of new educational forms, methods and tools for a new generation of designers (and designer educators) enabling them to more effectively confront the transition towards a sustainable society. The paper is based on two premises; Firstly: in today’s climate there is a need for a general redefinition of education, as a result of the influence of new technological opportunities and changed socio-cultural conditions. Secondly: the design activity itself needs to be redefined in order to positively and effectively contribute to the radical change required by the transition towards a sustainable society. Industrial designer, educators and other design practitioners are all searching for ways to enhance their environmental capabilities and to produce sustainable designs. The academic discipline of design education in Italy (at the higher educational level) has responded by broadening its scope to produce more ‘environmentally skilled’ designers sensitive to issues of sustainable production and consumption. The Interdepartmental Research Centre in Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (CIR.IS) of the Politecnico di Milano University has developed an innovative and highly flexible response to these new design education needs. A set of interrelated projects—co-ordinated by the author—is outlined in the following paragraphs. These projects are funded by the Italian Environmental Protection Agency (ANPA). A university network (RAPI.RETE) has been established and a group of innovative and technologically advanced tools (ECO.CATHEDRA, ECO.OFFICINA, ECO.DISCO and DPS.MANUAL) are being developed to support teachers and students in the educational content and processes. The tools are now going to be distributed (free of charge) in Italian Universities and, both the ANPA and the CIR.IS have given their consent for their translation/adaptation into other languages (without charge). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper approaches the production facilities in the supply chain primarily from an Original Equipment Manufacturer’s perspective as the requesting party in the scope of environmental quality and secondarily from a production facility’s perspective. From the perspective of the customer as well as the supplier, aspects such as price, delivery, technology etc. play an ongoing role, while environmental quality is a new aspect. With respect to environmental quality, the paper discusses the existing situation in the facilities, like the use of environmental management systems, the notions of environmental performance, green procurement and environmental quality in relation to cost structures of facilities. The paper also introduces a new method of benchmarking environmental performances of facilities. Environmental performance expresses the total production behaviour of the production facility. A link into a business perspective is shown on the basis of the environmental performance. In this scope the result of a worldwide assessment of 25 printed board production facilities is discussed and a conclusion is drawn. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Though developed as a solution for the waste problem, biodegradable plastics create new challenges on waste management with respect to policies and laws, waste management technologies and application of market-based instruments. A holistic view and integrated approach are necessary to address the implication of each component of this picture on others and on the whole. In an effort to tackle the challenges, the paper makes an in-depth analysis of the waste management system with biodegradable plastics as an element, emphasizing on regulatory and economic aspects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper proposes a multiple-criteria methodology for evaluating environmental impacts in the plastic injection molding process (PIMP) and incorporates the findings of an empirical study conducted in Hong Kong. The paper identifies and explains various indicators of environmental impact assessment and establishes a multiple-criteria rating matrix. It then elaborates on the implementation of a pilot program and discusses the relevance of the methodology inside and outside of the work environment. Results show that the methodology provides manufacturers with a feasible means to assess their environmental performance and perform benchmarking analysis. The methodology can also be modified and applied in different industry sectors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is applied to Portuguese printing and writing paper in order to compare the environmental impact of the use of two kinds of fuels (heavy fuel oil and natural gas) in the pulp and paper production processes. The results of inventory analysis and impact assessment show that the pulp and paper production processes play an important role in almost all of the analysed parameters, which do not always result in an important contribution to the corresponding impact categories. The substitution of heavy fuel oil by natural gas in the pulp and paper production processes seems to be environmentally positive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Small-scale or artisanal mining is a poverty-driven activity found mainly in remote areas of developing nations. It routinely generates land use conflicts with other stakeholders, primarily large mining companies. The scale of these disputes (occasionally involving armed conflict) is usually sufficient to have significant adverse impacts on the natural environment and the local population. After describing the small-scale mining sector, this paper outlines the characteristics, causes and costs of the land use conflicts with which this activity is often associated. It then discusses some of the more common initiatives that have been taken, primarily by mining companies, to attempt to manage these disputes. Since these approaches are incapable of fully reconciling the range of stakeholder’s interests involved in these conflicts, mediation is proposed as an effective mechanism to achieve their resolution. After an overview of mediation and its potential advantages, the need to apply this process to these disputes is established. Despite its advantages and considerable potential in this application, mediation is not a panacea for resolving all land use conflicts. Based on an extensive literature review, a set of 19 characteristics of disputes that may increase their amenability to mediation is compiled. By then demonstrating that small-scale mining disputes satisfy most of these criteria, the paper concludes that mediation has sufficient promise in this setting to warrant its experimental use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Small-scale mining in Ghana is defined to include both the exploitation of mineral deposits (1) using fairly rudimentary implements and/or (2) at low levels of production with minimal capital investment. While the large-scale mining—of particularly gold—has become predominant, small-scale mining, which predates such operations, has continued to be an important economic activity, particularly within the remote and poorer areas of the country. The environmental impacts of such small operations have, however, varied, depending on methods and the scale of operation. The factors that have contributed to aggravating these environmental impacts are economic, technical, legal, and operational in nature. Although mitigation efforts have had a limited impact, it is expected that the measures now being considered for adoption will improve the efficacy of the Government of Ghana’s drive towards improving environmental management in resident small-scale precious metal mining operations.This paper examines the environmental impacts of small-scale mining in Ghana—with particular emphasis on precious minerals and metals extraction—and outlines a series of initiatives for improving environmental performance in the industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Small-scale mining (SSM) has had unprecedented growth in Zambia during the past decade. The sector now produces a variety of commodities, especially gemstones, building and industrial minerals. From a structural and technical perspective, SSM is conducted on a very rudimentary level using basic tools such as picks and shovel, and occasionally, mechanized equipment. The environmental degradation caused by SSM is also growing with the intensification of activities in the country. Meanwhile, institutions responsible for managing the environment are unable to effectively carry out regulatory and monitoring mandates due to inadequate resources. Although current legislation appears to be adequate in many respects, time has now come to amend the Mines and Minerals Act (1995) so that it becomes mandatory for all mining activities, including small-scale mines, to submit environmental impact assessment reports before a license to mine or explore can be granted. Strategies to eliminate illegal mining, enhancement of miners’ technical skills, and mine responsibly must also be placed high on the agenda. This paper focuses on the major issues affecting cleaner production in the Zambian SSM sector including, environmental complications, pertinent mining environmental legislation, and the institutions involved. It concludes by suggesting possible interventions to minimize environmental impacts in the sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although small-scale mining is often associated with ruinous effects on the natural environment, Zimbabwe’s experience in gold panning demonstrates that though that may be true, the sector, can, through appropriate measures, be encouraged or enticed to develop environmentally friendly methods for gold mining and recovery. A combination of legislation, education, and the promotion of appropriate technology has enhanced the environmental management within the ever-growing gold panning community in Zimbabwe. This paper evaluates the success of attempts to minimise the environmental impacts of gold panning in Zimbabwe through legislation, education and the promotion of appropriate technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although small-scale mining provides a wealth of socioeconomic benefits to the rural inhabitants of developing countries, there is often total disregard for the environment industry-wide. This paper focuses upon some of the key environmental issues in the Indian small-scale mining industry. The geo-environmental factors constraining the mining of the Himalayan limestone, magnetite, phosphate, and polymetallic sulphur ore deposits are discussed, and the environmental impacts of small-scale operations working prospective deposits are detailed. The paper further examines the schematics of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) adopted for small-scale mines in India. It is concluded, however, that widespread environmental improvement can only be achieved industry-wide if additional mining cooperatives are formed, and the Indian Government, through their Department of Environment, oversees the implementation of effective mitigation practices for small scale-mines, particularly at the university level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

India is among the top ten mineral producing nations in the world and its economy depends on the value of minerals produced. Although mineral production has increased significantly since the country’s independence, what continues to be overlooked in is the contribution of resident small-scale mines to national mineral output. Approximately 90% of India’s mines are operating on a small-scale, employing some 0.5 million people. However, because of their rudimentary and highly migratory nature, these operations feature poor environmental management practices and safety conditions. This paper examines the unique techno-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of selected small-scale mining regions in India. It furthermore underscores the need for cleaner production in these regions, and outlines a series of legislative measures pertinent to the industry. The paper concludes by identifying educational- and training-related initiatives, which, if undertaken, could facilitate additional environmental improvement at sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although small-scale mining has developed rapidly in Papua New Guinea (PNG), it is only recently that formal recording has been carried to gain insight on employment and production totals, and environmental difficulties. This paper examines the state of small-scale mining in PNG, with special emphasis on its environmental impacts. In recent years, the PNG Department of Mining has become a proactive source of educational activities and information gathering for small-scale mining, its effort directed at devising a comprehensive development plan for the sector. The result has been a tripartite program with active participation from a number of donor agencies and the private sector that promotes integrated rural development and takes into account the important economic and environmental aspects vital for effective poverty alleviation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Non-metallic mineral resources, albeit very important to meet the needs of the Brazilian population and for exportation, are ill-favored by governments and ignored by the public. Most of this mining is performed by small-scale companies and informal operations that cause extensive and widespread environmental damages. In addition to examining the current state of the industry and its environmental impacts, this paper outlines a series of initiatives for improving (environmental) performance. The suggestions made include improved coordination among public entities responsible for the control of the mining sector; the undertaking of environmental management and reclamation initiatives; research and diffusion of mining and environmental technology; the development and implementation of appropriate licensing procedures for small-scale mines; and the reviewing of environmental impact evaluation and enforcement procedures, and improved regional planning. It is concluded, however, that the proposals will only become a reality if the necessary political actions are taken, and are supported by adequate financing and technical assistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper analyses the importance and environmental impacts of metallic small-scale mining in Chile. This sector is characterized by the exploitation of primarily artisanal copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) deposits, which are dispersed throughout (Chilean) Regions I through VI, with heaviest concentrations in Regions III and IV. In 2000, Chilean small-scale mines employed some 1700 workers (5.1% of total mining workers), and plants with a production capacity of less than 50 tpd accounted for 0.97% (44,603 t) of Cu; 6.5% (3,484) of Au; and 1.1% (13,665 kg) of Ag output in the country. High-grade ore extraction, flotation, gravity concentration, acid leaching–cementation, and mercury amalgamation, are the main metallurgical technologies employed. Following an overview of Chilean small-scale mining, the paper examines the environmental impacts of its production processes, and discusses the legal support and regulatory framework in place for operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biosensors are analytical tools, which use the biological specificity in sensing the target molecule. In this paper, the author reviews the design and application of molecular biosensors for use in bioremediation. The promoter selected from a genetic operon has been described as an interactive biological component for the target molecule to generate the signal. Different types of reporter systems have been described and as well as their application in tracking of levels of pollutants, nitrogen, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen in different habitats and toxic compounds. The paper emphasizes that in order to extend the applications of this scientific area, specialized research is needed in the aspects pertaining to bringing the biological recognition element into close proximity to the target molecules so that it can be integrated with the signal analysis system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper demonstrates application of resource (material and energy) flow analysis combined with a product chain framework for profiling environmental burdens. The production of Australian wheat starch is used as an example. The primary objectives of the study were to determine benchmark information for assessing and improving environmental and economic operational performance, with particular reference to energy consumption and wastewater reduction. Data were collated on material and energy inputs, and emissions inventory data for the stages of wheat crop cultivation, grain storage and transportation, wheat flour milling, wheat starch production, product transportation, starch use and ultimate disposal were documented in this paper. A straightforward approach was then used to analyse environmental impacts in order to determine the key contributing stages in the demand and supply chain. The study helped focus cleaner production efforts to reduce overall environmental impacts in the product chain and improve economic returns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study is to evaluate the impact of cleaner vehicles on energy systems and CO2 emissions in the transportation sector in Japan. The transportation sector has the characteristic of spending petroleum. Even when the cost of petroleum rises, conventional vehicles cannot switch fuels to alternative energy right away. Cleaner vehicles, such as fuel cell vehicles, would be one of the alternative technologies in the transportation sector. It is supposed to have excellent performance in fuel efficiency and has strong possibility to reduce CO2 drastically. This paper uses a multi-period market equilibrium model to explore the impacts of cleaner vehicles on the passenger transportation sector in Japanese energy system out to the year 2040. A Btu tax is tentatively imposed to evaluate the effect of fuel cost on energy consumption in the transportation sector. Financial parameters such as capital cost and operating cost are considered to summarize the profit in taxation case. The result of this study shows that fuel cell vehicles have a great effect on reducing CO2 emissions especially when Btu taxes are imposed, which in turn has the advantage of encouraging a more diverse set of technologies and fuels. The analysis that petroleum consumption can be reduced using fuel cell vehicles will have effects on perspectives on energy systems in Japan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The number of organizations contemplating the integration of environmental practices into their strategic plans and daily operations is continuously increasing. Numerous initiatives have provided incentives for organizations to become more environmentally benign. Some of these regulation driven programs are mandatory, but increasingly numerous voluntary environmental programs are also introduced by organizations. Organizations view many of these environmental programs, which may include technological and organizational development projects, as possible alternatives for gaining or maintaining a competitive advantage. One environmental program area that continues to gain in importance is one that focuses on the external relationships among organizations. To help evaluate alternatives that will effect this relationship we present a strategic decision framework that will aid managerial decision-making. This decision framework is based on literature and practice in the area of environmentally conscious business practices. The focus of this paper will be on the components and elements of green supply chain management and how they serve as a foundation for the decision framework. We shall explore the applicability of a dynamic non-linear multiattribute decision model, defined as the analytical network process, for decision making within the green supply chain. Issues facing the modeling approach are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the last decade, literature on the “greening” of industry and environmental policy has provided numerous important insights into the determinants of the firm’s innovative behaviour in cleaner technologies. However, this literature still lacks empirically tested theoretical models. This paper contributes to fill this gap proposing a definitional system that enables the testing of hypotheses of dependence between willingness to innovate in cleaner technologies and its determinants, and to explore the conditions under which the firms’ innovative behaviour could be fostered. Regression and simulation outcomes indicate, against the general wisdom, that stringent environmental regulation without consideration to the dynamics of technical change, and environmental and economic risk perceptions in the part of firms would play against the promotion of innovation in cleaner production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The economic importance of energy and environmental issues is continuously increasing, affecting both process and product design in business. The energy crisis in California in 2001 made this basic issue universal. New technologies are expected to reduce pollution derived both from production processes and products, with costs that are still unknown and in competition with more mature technologies high. Nevertheless, until now there is still little, but growing knowledge concerning the process of technological innovation in the fields of energy and environment.In this paper we analyze the development of zinc air fuel cell (ZAFC) and its transfer from a research laboratory to potential mass production. ZAFC are a new ‘environmentally sound technology’, proven to have commercial value, that can be used for substituting internal combustion engines (ICEs) and meeting zero emission vehicles (ZEV) regulations. Although ZAFC performances are higher than traditional electric batteries ones, commercial costs are still high. Hence the pathway to mass production may come from stationary application of fuel cells for power.In contrast to the conventional ‘paradigmatic’ approach, we argue that the existing economic and organizational literature concerning technological innovation is not able to fully explain steps followed in commercializing energy—environmentally sound technologies. Existing models mainly consider adopting problems, which are due to market uncertainty, weak application, lack of a dominant design, and problems in reconfiguring existing organizational routines. Above all ‘market power’ exists in terms of control over technological innovation and its commercial application. Barriers are erected that prevent new technologies such as fuel cells from becoming adapted. Through pro-active government intervention, such as the case in California, new advanced technologies can move rapidly into the marketplace.From this discussion we draw some conclusions and issues for further research concerning policy making for sustaining the process of technological transfer and firms’ strategies in technological innovation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Estimates vary about the rate at which end-of-life computer products have been piling up, but the total population of spent computers is likely to reach into the hundreds of millions. To tackle this mounting solid and hazardous waste problem, policy and business entrepreneurs are promoting product recovery as an environmentally preferable alternative to disposal, and product recovery infrastructure and strategy has begun to develop in recent decades. However, despite some real and theoretical developments in the field, current literature lacks an overall description of the recovery process capable of capturing the essence of end-of-life management challenges for complex, rapidly obsolete, high-tech products like computers and electronics. The absence of this broad frame of reference presents a problem for managers trying to integrate environmentally sound choices into planning and management. Using case research from the computer and electronics industry, in this paper we present a generalized overview of product recovery. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: to describe the recovery of computers as a step-by-step process, and to frame an environmental research agenda for recovery management. With an eye toward generalizing the growing and diversifying practices in reverse manufacturing, we use our description from the computer and electronics industry to highlight broad challenges that managers confront at each stage of the process and to identify environmental dimensions of product recovery management decisions that require additional research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of environmental innovation using the case of Ballard Power System’s Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. Many have argued that this technology offers considerable environmental benefits and may surpass the internal combustion engine as the dominant vehicular power source. However, more than a century of incremental improvements, government policy and the emergence of complementary industries have made the latter a dominant and difficult to challenge technology. The authors review the difficulties of developing and adopting a radical innovation by analysing the value chain and supporting infrastructure. They also question the environmental implications and the role of government policy with regard to such technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coal gasification is a technology that has been around for 200 yr. With the recent technology advances in the past 20 yr, it has become an option for the clean production of power and other energy forms. China will continue to be the largest user of coal in the world. Coal is the source of energy in almost every area of everyday life in China. This paper is an overview of the prospects of coal gasification in China. It discusses the opening of Chinese markets to more private sector participation. In particular the paper focuses on the energy sector and coal as the both an economic development variable and a factor in climate change. Clean coal technologies can be apart of the production cycle in China and hence can impact the Chinese economy in a positive manner as well as lower the current high levels of atmospheric pollution. Proven integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technologies in new production methods and applications can provide China with its rising energy needs and reduce the SOX, NOX and particulates in the atmosphere. The results of IGCC can support the Chinese economy as it moves into the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Environmental awareness raising, education and training, on a wide scale, are required to ensure societal adoption of sustainable development. ENVIROCARE, an interactive multimedia educational CD-ROM, has been developed by a transnational partnership to provide such environmental education for vocational students. The programme, available in English, Dutch, German and Portuguese, is designed to provide training for students to show the impact that industry can have on the environment and how they can reduce such impacts when they enter the workforce, by implementing the concepts and approaches of Cleaner Production. The paper describes the development of ENVIROCARE, its contents and structure, the lessons learned in its creation and future challenges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There are several questions coming from researchers and educators referring to the most efficient approaches for developing an environmental awareness; it is difficult to document which approach can generate increased sensitivity and behavioral changes for effective environmental protection. Therefore research and discussions on the issue are demanding.This paper presents observations concerning the sensitization process for environmental issues, initiated with environmental education classes. The educational work stimulated a group of Brazilian high school students to participate in an international distance learning course and convention (Global Environmental Youth Convention) about preventive environmental management. Both the course and convention were organized by Lund University in Sweden.During the distance course the high school students constructed and executed the project work. They decided to organize course content and prepare teaching materials on environmental issues for eight year old children. The project was presented in the convention.Among the results of this educational project it was observed that a very effective attitude can be obtained from an educational approach that sought a more affective link with nature. It was also observed that teenagers can be effective teachers and motivators of younger children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

While there are examples of good practice the engagement of business in Local Agenda 21 has been restricted. This is certainly true in the UK experience. ‘Missing’ the supply side of the economy in this way is clearly unsatisfactory. This problem has been addressed by the Centre for Sustainable Development from a particular perspective, which follows the multi stakeholder principles of sustainable development (SD). This paper analyses a project to make a simple clear communication tool, without jargon, to communicate the meaning of SD in different dimensions to small and medium sized businesses. The project produced a business workbook directly useful to business and that can be utilised by local authorities in the business interaction parts of their Local Agenda 21 programmes. The paper examines further what is involved in a particular aspect of the process of SD, in the regional context, and seeks to underpin the understanding that SD is a process. As part of this issues relevant to culture change are examined. A consideration of the stakeholder relationships and dynamics is central. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) for the comparison of two egg packages, from polystyrene and recycled paper, is presented. The input and output streams of mass and energy are examined and the environmental impacts associated with the two systems are analyzed. The application of LCA by using EcoIndicator 95 has made possible the comparison of the environmental impacts of two egg packages. The results of this LCA study are discussed and reveal that the PS packages contribute more to acidification potential, winter and summer smog, while recycled paper egg packages contribute more to heavy metal and carcinogenic substances impact. Nevertheless, it seems that paper eggcups have less environmental impact than the polystyrene ones with the assumption that the accuracy of the results is confined by the credibility of European databases used for primary data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports on the methodology and results of a baseline life-cycle inventory (LCI) performed on toner used in the xerographic process. Toner is the dry ink that creates the image on paper and is used in most copiers and some large printers. The goal is to perform an LCI on a system that encompasses the life-cycle of toner in order to determine the environmental effects related to the product. The findings of the study show that the system is mainly a classical “cradle to grave” model, although recycle streams within the system improve the overall environmental performance. The majority of the solid process waste produced (95%) is associated with post-toner production processes, and the majority of the air emissions in the system resulted from energy use. Post-production processes combine for just over 85% of the total energy used in the system, with customer use accounting for 58% of the total. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leather processing employs copious amounts of water. This leads to the generation of enormous amounts of liquid effluent. The high effluent volume requires huge investments for effluent treatment plants in order to meet the required specification for the discharge of liquid effluents to various water bodies. Increasingly therefore, water use minimization in leather processing assumes greater significance due to increased treatment costs. End-of-pipe treatment methods alone do not meet the requirements and hence, in-plant control measures are gaining importance. The new era of cleaner technology has begun in leather processing. Pre-tanning and tanning operations contribute about 57% of the water consumption in leather processing and the washings about 35%. The proper adoption of integrated cleaner technologies provides a viable solution to the conservation of water in leather processing. This paper presents an integrated approach for water use minimization through recycling and optimization in leather processing. The integrated approach provides considerable reduction in the use of process water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article provides a summary of a recently completed study by UNEP/DTIE on past investment practices in cleaner production. It also provides a brief on the conclusions and recommendations of the debate that culminated at the parallel session on financing issues at the 6th International High-Level Seminar on CP, held in Montreal in October 2000. The article then extracts the most relevant and topical issues from these papers and outlines the main challenges ahead as perceived in 2001. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cleaner Production (CP) should be an essential part of any comprehensive environmental management system at an enterprise or national level. In many cases the adoption of CP improvements can reduce or even eliminate the need for end-of-pipe investments and therefore can have both environmental and economic benefits. Experience shows, that often companies having identified cost-effective and technically-feasible CP options, may still not be able to make necessary CP investment to realise the financial benefits and environmental advantages. Financing of CP projects varies among countries and types of the projects. Domestic and international efforts to strengthen environmental financing still face a number of serious obstacles, many of which are related to profound economic, political and social problems. The detailed evaluation of revolving fund establishment possibilities based on personal experience of the authors in Lithuania, Zimbabwe and Vietnam is presented in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents on the experience of the first year of implementation of the UNEP project ‘Strategies and mechanisms for promoting cleaner production (CP) investments in developing countries’. An insight into the experience gained in two developing countries, Guatemala and Zimbabwe is given in separate cases.The paper attempts a preliminary—by no means exhaustive—analysis of the current status of CP awareness among the financial community in selected developing countries and the main barriers to funding CP from a financial sector perspective. The experience gained in five developing countries allows to better investigate the ways whereby the financial community could, and perhaps should, more effectively promote financing of CP, thus contributing to the spread of the CP concept and measures at the macro (government), medium (industry associations, chambers of commerce) and micro (enterprises) levels. In doing so, the paper indirectly emphasises the role of other key stakeholders.Suggestions and recommendations expressed in the paper have to be taken clearly with a pinch of salt, as each country in the developing world has its distinct economic, political, social and cultural features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines a high profile and often provocative segment of the financial industry: that of Ethical or Socially Responsible Investment. By offering an ethical or sustainable product which has the potential to influence so many stakeholders—the financial industry is in a unique position to guide change towards corporate sustainability. However, what message is ethical investment really giving to companies and the financial industry? Are ethical investors and their rating agencies capable of effectively influencing corporations towards more sustainable patterns of production and consumption; and are their approaches consistent with the principles of Cleaner Production? This paper first gives an overview some of the definitions ‘ethical investment’ and the scale of activities under this umbrella term. Then the actual screening methods and their application is examined. A typology of the different ethical mutual funds is given, and two cases of ethical funds are described (Robur’s Environmental Fund, and Sustainable Asset Management’s sustainability rating tool). Each are analysed in terms of their potential to either reveal or conceal cleaner production innovations by the firms they assess. In order to ascertain where Ethical Investment might lead companies, the effects of ethical investment on companies—and back on the asset management companies themselves is explored. A reflexive model of corporate and finance sector learning based on the ethical screens is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]