Implementation of DFE in the Daily Design Work: An Approach Derived From Surveys

Abstract

In this paper, three surveys were carried out at the Darmstadt University of Technology to reveal the problems regarding the implementation of DFE. It furthermore attempts to bridge the gap between approaches mainly proposed by researches from university and the current practice in industry. The first survey gives a good overview about current DFE practice in companies with certified environmental management systems (EMS). The second survey summarizes the general experience of consultants from university and industry, who are well-versed in implementing methods in industry. The third and last survey was carried out at ‘environmental champions’ and inspects the differences between the individual applications. With these three surveys as a background, an approach for successful implementation of DFE will be derived. Finally, the concept is divided into different levels of implementation, based on the prerequisites of the company and the effort the company is willing to invest. Therefore, the concept can be used by large companies, as well as by small- and medium-sized companies.