Design for environment: a case study of the Power Mac G4 desktop computer

Abstract

With the increasing importance of environmental attributes in electronic products, Apple Computer Inc. has incorporated environmental performance as a customer, market-driven issue. Environmental aspects are considered as an integral part of a product's attributes during its design and development. This case study describes environmental performance improvements achieved in the new Power Mac G4 desktop computer released in the fall of 1999 to replace the Power Macintosh G3. The product development team introduced a number of innovations that were both economically and environmentally beneficial, including a sleep mode of less than 5 watts (17% of the ENERGY STAR(R) 30 watt requirement) and a unique swing-open enclosure door allowing access to all components. This design demonstrated that addressing environmental objectives is often complementary with fundamental product requirements, such as cost and performance. As a result of this case study, a number of design enhancements were identified that could measurably improve the environmental performance of future desktop products. In addition, specific steps were recommended to further develop the design for environment process at Apple.