Environmental parameters for ecodesign: a tool based on ecolabel programs and life cycle thinking

The present study seeks to analyse quantitative and qualitative life cycle parameters of environmental labelling programs in an attempt to verify and demonstrate how these parameters may serve as tools for ecodesign. The aim is to systematise these data and information, in turn facilitating the decisions made in the design process. The study is based on prior works that demonstrate the importance of a life cycle thinking approach in current design tasks as well as the need for targets to achieve environmental goals. The method employed is founded on the analysis of four environmental labelling programs seeking to unveil their potential and similarities in a given product category. The Environmental Parameter for Ecodesign (EPE) is proposed as a tool and discussed in an example of an architectural component. Despite the limitations, it is possible to conclude that the EPE tool has the potential to expand into other product categories.