Grantee Research Project Results

1997 Progress Report: Policy Frameworks to Stimulate Environmental Technology in the Computer and Electronics Sector

EPA Grant Number: R824752
Title: Policy Frameworks to Stimulate Environmental Technology in the Computer and Electronics Sector
Investigators: Ditz, Daryl , Irwin, Frances
Institution: World Resources Institute
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 30, 1997
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1997
Project Amount: $240,000
RFA: Incentives and Impediments to Pollution Prevention (1995) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Sustainable and Healthy Communities

Objective:

To develop the elements of a policy framework that will spur the adoption of technology for pollution prevention.

Progress Summary:

First Year: An eight-member Electronics Project Working Group with representatives from business, government, academia, and environmental groups was convened. At its first session, the Working Group discussed the most significant driving forces for cleaner production in the electronics sector, the relevance of environmental policy, and a range of national and international policy initiatives. With the Group's advice, three broad focuses for the project were selected, scoping papers were prepared, and, after further refining the topics, consultants were selected to develop background papers and material for each of the topics, including: 1) case study on how firms along the disk drive product chain make design decisions; the extent and manner in which environmental factors are incorporated; and prospects for moving to a more strategic approach; 2) an analysis of economic and material flows along a product chain; and 3) an exploration of the ways in which the electronics industry might pursue climate protection as a business opportunity.

Second Year: Two background papers were completed and revised. The Electronics Project Working Group met in February and June to discuss these papers.

The disk drive case study found that companies in this sub-sector are introducing design for the environment concepts through training programs and design competitions. One company has redesigned some products for more rapid disassembly. Another has labeled materials to make recycling easier. The study concluded, however, that the four companies in the disk drive product chain that were interviewed are primarily focused on environmental compliance. They are not yet using improved environmental performance to gain competitive advantage. The study recommends that government work with industry groups to educate companies about the business advantages of taking a strategic approach. It also suggests helping develop and disseminate analytical tools for design. Drawing on experience with replacing chlorofluorocarbons, the study notes the challenges in crafting regulations to allow the most cost-effective solutions.

The analysis of electronics technology and climate change identified three enabling technologies - - displays, bandwidth, and sensors and controls -- that have the potential to protect the climate. They do this through a range of applications that increase the efficiency with which society uses energy and materials or replace energy-intensive transport with electronic networking. Interviews with about 15 companies found that some of these companies are beginning to explore the climate benefits of their products. Barriers include the need to develop ways to measure the benefits and a concern that consumers are not interested in climate protective products. The pace of development and level of uncertainty of the nature of future applications of electronic technology also make it difficult for companies to focus on climate protection. The Kyoto Protocol provides an important policy marker, although key elements remain to be worked out. The Electronic Industries Alliance has announced its support for action on climate change and noted the role electronic products can play.

Preliminary explorations of work on material and economic flows in the sector demonstrated that this work could not be completed within this project.

Future Activities:

Preparation of final report.

Publication of Taking a Byte Out of Carbon: Electronic Innovation for Climate Protection. Draws on project scoping paper. Will be published by World Resources Institute in June 1998 in conjunction with WRI's Climate Protection Initiative.

Publication of 1-2 articles.

Presentation on Cleaner Production in the Electronics Industry, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Portland, Oregon, June 1998

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 4 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Air, Economics, Atmosphere, Air Pollution Effects, cleaner production/pollution prevention, climate change, corporate decision making, Environmental Technology Initiative, incentives and impediments, industrial ecology, pollution prevention, cost benefit, environmentally conscious manufacturing, green technology, source reduction policies, environmental monitoring, computers and electronics, performance based systems, training, cleaner production

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

1996

Final Report