Centre for Environmental Assessment of Products and Material Systems A systematic approach to environmental priority strategies in product development (EPS). Version 2000 – General system characteristics

The EPS default method 1 Foreword The present version of the EPS system has been developed within CPM (Centre for the environmental assessment of Products and Material systems) a joint research environment at Chalmers University of Technology with participation from industry. The report is describing the general principles and default methodology of the EPS system. The system principles and methodology is based on earlier versions of the EPS system, in particular the version 1996. The present version has been given the number 2000. In comparison with the 1996 version the basic principles are the same, but the description is more detailed and the ISO standard language is adopted. Acknowledgement The EPS system, as it is presented in this report, has taken its form through contributions from many individuals and organisations. It has been a privilege to further the achievements from the Swedish Product Ecology project and much valuable input have come from the co-authors of the EPS system report of that project (Ryding et.al. 1995). Summary This report describes the EPS default methodology and the main principles of the EPS system. The present version of the EPS method is an Compared to the 1996 version, the EPS system principles are the same. The EPS default method is essentially the same, but, since ISO standards on LCA now are available, it is described in ISO terms (ISO 14040 – 14043). In addition the description is more detailed, and the database updated and extended. To some degree this is in line with requirements put forth by ISO and to some degree this is due to experiences made in the use of the EPS system. Although the main principles are the same, the elaboration of the descriptions means a new development of the system. As the EPS system becomes more and more developed and spread, the identity of the system shifts from being an informal concept of its creators to be defined by its documentation. As in many complex systems conflicts often arise between different principles and requirements. The EPS system has an outspoken hierarchy among its principles and rules to help in these situations. This hierarchy is based on a top-down principle giving highest priority to the usefulness of the system. The other subordinate main principles and characteristics of the of the EPS system are (in hierarchical order): • The 'index' principle, requiring ready-made indices for materials and processes representing weighted and …