The project examined how a sector approach to environmental policy can stimulate cleaner technology in the computer and electronics sector. Using the lens of this sector provides an opportunity to look at policies to address the likely environmental problems of the next century and spur the use of innovative technology in solving them. The project combined analysis by the principal investigators with discussion and comments by an Electronics Working Group that included members from companies, government, academia, and an environmental group. The tasks included (1) reviewing earlier approaches to environmental technology and environmental policy for sectors and defining use of these terms for the project; (2) identifying the key characteristics of the computer and electronics sector that underlie its relationship to the environment; (3) developing a case study on disk drives to provide grist for discussing policy directions; (4) co-organizing a session on 'ecotransformation' of the electronics sector for the Sixth International Conference of the Greening of Industry Network; (5) drafting the policy framework; and (6) serving as an incubator for another project on electronic innovation for climate protection and a limited exploration of material flows. The principal investigators also drew on their participation in the work of the Common Sense Initiative's Subcommittee on the Computer and Electronics Sector.

"EPA Grant #R824752." "September 1998." Includes bibliographical references (pages 65-70).

Executive Summary Introduction 1. The Project Approach 2. Defining a Sector Policy for 2.1 Environmental Technology 2.2 Sector Policies 3. Four Characteristics That Underlie the Relationship of the Electronics Sector and the Environment 3.1 Developer of new technology rather than a processor of raw materials 3.2 Leader in the economy 3.3 Both a cause of and a solution to environmental problems 3.4 Limited participation in environmental policymaking 4. Incorporating the Environmental Factor: A Case Study of a Disk Drive Product Chain 4.1 Disk drive technology 4.2 Growth of the disk drive chain 4.3 Environmental issues in the disk drive chain 4.4 Interviews with companies along a disk drive product chain 4.5 Findings of interviews 4.6 Taking a more strategic approach to environmental product design companies 4.7 Policies to shift companies toward a strategic approach to product design 5. The Project as Incubator for Sector Policy Approaches 5.1 Electronics innovation for climate protection 5.2 Tracking sector material flows across national boundaries. 6. Sector Policy Frameworks 6.1 Ecotransformation of the electronics sector: A view as the century ends 6.2 A sector policy framework to stimulate environmental technology in the computer and electronics sector Conclusion The project examined how a sector approach to environmental policy can stimulate cleaner technology in the computer and electronics sector. Using the lens of this sector provides an opportunity to look at policies to address the likely environmental problems of the next century and spur the use of innovative technology in solving them. The project combined analysis by the principal investigators with discussion and comments by an Electronics Working Group that included members from companies, government, academia, and an environmental group. The tasks included (1) reviewing earlier approaches to environmental technology and environmental policy for sectors and defining use of these terms for the project; (2) identifying the key characteristics of the computer and electronics sector that underlie its relationship to the environment; (3) developing a case study on disk drives to provide grist for discussing policy directions; (4) co-organizing a session on 'ecotransformation' of the electronics sector for the Sixth International Conference of the Greening of Industry Network; (5) drafting the policy framework; and (6) serving as an incubator for another project on electronic innovation for climate protection and a limited exploration of material flows. The principal investigators also drew on their participation in the work of the Common Sense Initiative's Subcommittee on the Computer and Electronics Sector.