M. SCHLAUG France Session 1 – Block 7 – Question Barcelona May Question 7-3 Could environmental considerations lead the design process or is it a natural side effect of product optimisation ?

M. SCHLAUG France Session 1 – Block 7 – Question Barcelona May Could environmental considerations lead the design process or is it a natural side effect of product optimisation ? Answer: Improvements are not a natural side effect. To be most effective environmental issues must be considered throughout the design process taking into account the whole of a product life cycle from concept to disposal or in other words from “cradle to grave”. However, environmental considerations cannot be the only parameter driving a product development, but must form an integral part of it. There are often many equally good answers to a technical question. The parameter “environment” can then become decisive and thus a leading factor. Abcd Special report Question 7-3

M. SCHLAUG France Session 1 – Block 7 – Question Barcelona May Example: Development of a new range of vacuum interrupters using “A Design For The Environment Approach” All stages from “cradle to grave” considered – some examples: 1) Development process: reduction of short circuit tests by ten shifts by computer modelling  saving 120 MWh or 150 k€ 2) The new design: weight reduction by 40 % leading to product life span savings of tons or k€ 3) Manufacturing process: –Surface treatment: reduction of fresh water consumption by 6000 m 3 over product life span due to new design & process –Seal-off: reduction of electricity consumption by 40x10 6 kWh over product life span due to improved seal-off method increasing at the same time the furnace capacity by factor of 2,6. –Conditioning / testing: replacement of SF6 by compressed air 4) End-of-life disposal: elimination of all toxic materials / additives Abcd Special report Question 7-3

M. SCHLAUG France Session 1 – Block 7 – Question Barcelona May Environmental audit radar graph created using EIME (Environmental Information and Management Explorer) Abcd Special report Question 7-3

M. SCHLAUG France Session 1 – Block 7 – Question Barcelona May Conclusion: This project using a design for the environment approach during all stages has been very successful in combining significant benefits to the environment with substantial financial benefits for our company. “Being environmentally friendly makes good business sense“ Abcd Special report Question 7-3