4.1 Introduction

Industrial Ecology (IE) has adopted various methodologies, approaches, and analytical tools to develop industrial ecosystems with a high degree of closed-loop material exchanges and energy cascade efficiency. This chapter addresses life cycle thinking/analysis and design for the environment, which also contribute to achieving IE objectives.

 

The chapter explores the product life cycle, life cycle analysis (LCA) tools, and the methodology of design for the environment. From the perspective of operations management (OM), the product life cycle includes material acquisition, manufacturing, distribution, usage, and post-usage. It investigates eco-design options at each stage to proactively reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities.