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This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable product development requires combining aspects, including quality and environmental. This is a difficult task to accomplish. Therefore, procedures are being sought to combine these aspects in the process of product improvement. Therefore, the objective of the investigation was to develop a procedure that supports the integration of quality-level indicators and life-cycle assessment (LCA) to determine the direction of product improvement. The procedure involves determining the quality indicators based on the expectations of the customer, which are subsequently processed using the formalised scoring method (PS). A life-cycle assessment index is determined for the main environmental impact criterion. According to the proposed mathematical model, these indicators are aggregated, and this process takes into account their importance in terms of product usefulness and environmental friendliness. Interpretations of the results and the direction of product improvement are from the results obtained from the modified IPA model (importance–performance analysis). The procedure is used in the verification of product prototypes, wherein the proposed approach, and its test, was carried out for a self-cooling beverage can (and its alternatives) with a "chill-on-demand" system, which is a technology supporting rapid cooling on demand. The life-cycle assessment was carried out to assess the carbon footprint, which is crucial for activities to reduce greenhouse gases. The direction of improvement of this product was shown to concern the selection of transport means, the reduction of energy use in the production phase, or the change of the method of opening the can. What is original is the proposal of a procedure for integrating the quality indicator and the life-cycle assessment indicator, taking into account the key environmental burden. The procedure can be used in manufacturing companies when designing and improving products in terms of their sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is at the heart of continuous product improvement, where social, environmental, and economic considerations are key. This is a difficult task, especially in the area of the following economic and environmental changes, as well as changes in customer expectations. Additionally, it has become crucial to make product decisions that will be based on their entire life cycle (LCA). Although these aspects of sustainability and LCA are popular, bringing them together in one analysis remains challenging. Therefore, the article's objective was to develop a simplified model that supports decisionmaking, taking into account the criteria of sustainable development and life cycle assessment (LCA). The originality is the proposed model, which operates based on a qualitative indicator (product quality level), an environmental indicator (the product's impact on the environment throughout its life cycle) and a price indicator (purchase price of the product). These indicators are created using the TOPSIS method and the modified ACJ-E method. As a result, a product ranking is created. A novelty is the combination of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) criteria with quality criteria and the actual purchase price of the product. The model test was carried out on the example of CATERPILLAR mini excavators. However, the model can be dedicated to any company that wants to make decisions in accordance with the idea of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]