Eco-architecture analysis for end-of-life decision making

Abstract

In order to improve ease of disassembly and recycling of a product at its retirement stage, it is essential to design a product architecture that allows for easy disassembly and recycling. In this paper, a novel concept of eco-architecture is introduced, and the eco-architecture analysis, a design approach supporting the end-of-life decision making process, is proposed. The eco-architecture is the product architecture described from the end-of-life (EOL) viewpoint, in which a product is represented as an assembly of end-of-life modules. Not only does it prescribe an EOL strategy, but it also gives information about the connections and arrangement among EOL modules. Therefore, understanding the eco-architecture is helpful in enhancing the disassembly and recycling capabilities of an architecture design. The proposed eco-architecture analysis supports architecture improvement; it helps designers to derive the most desirable eco-architecture which entails the optimal end-of-life strategy. It also facilitates the extraction of meaningful redesign guidelines which make it possible to improve an architecture in an efficient and effective manner.

A methodology for optimizing modular design considering product end of life strategies

“…Li et al 26 developed a method for modular formation incorporating end of life issues using the fuzzy graph approach. Kwak et al 27 introduced an eco architecture analysis to help designers select the most desirable product's architecture which will result with an optimal end of life strategy.…”

“…A case study taken from the study of Kwak et al 27 is selected to show the applicability of this method. Consider a door trim composed of nine components.…”

Enterprise IT Asset Disposition: An Overview and Tutorial

“…Corporate sustainability is therefore concerned with, in addition to achieving economical and financial objectives, reducing or minimizing the ecological impact and improving social and human welfare (Linnenluecke & Griffiths, 2010;Sharma, 2003). Scholars agree that corporate sustainability is a multifaceted concept that concerns the impact on the natural and ecological environment (Chen et al, 2009;Elliot, 2011;Kwak et al, 2009), corporate social responsibility (Babin & Nicholson, 2009;Watson et al, 2011), political influences , and internal organizational culture and change (Bengtsson & Ågerfalk, 2011;Linnenluecke & Griffiths, 2010). Some scholars suggest that corporate sustainability is not a destination but rather a journey or a business approach that creates long-term stakeholder value by embracing opportunities and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental, and social developments (Marrone, Schmidt, Kossahl, & Kolbe, 2011).…”

“…Unfortunately, existing literature pursuing this direction is quite scarce. For example, in one study, Kwak et al (2009), proposed a design approach to support the end-of-life decision-making process using a novel concept of eco-architecture analysis where a product is represented as an assembly of end-of-life modules.…”

“…However, researchers have discovered that those in executive leadership positions often lack this mindset, and the current consumption, production, and recycling processes in many businesses are unsustainable (Eboli & Mancini, 2012). Scholarly studies on corporate sustainability through green IT initiatives have identified and examined some important topics such as the adoption of green IT initiatives (Chen, et al, 2009;Molla & Abareshi, 2012;Pitt, Parent, Junglas, Chan, & Spyropoulou, 2011;Watson, Boudreau, & Chen, 2010;Watson, Boudreau, Chen, & Sepúlveda, 2011), product design (Kwak, Hong, & Cho, 2009;Pitt et al, 2011;Zhang, Liu, & Li, 2011), and extended producer responsibility (Zoetman, Krikke, & Venselaar, 2010). In recent years, the topic of ITAD has gained a considerable amount of recognition and many enterprises have identified ITAD as an important element in their green initiatives.…”