JIE Dissertation Listing

Author: Carolien van Hemel 
Title: EcoDesign Empirically Explored 
Design for Environment in Dutch small and medium sized enterprises 
Institution: Delft University of Technology 
Design for Sustainability Research Programme 
Date: June 9th, 1998
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Ir. J.C. Brezet, Prof. Dr. J. Cramer
Key Words: Ecodesign; design for environment; small and medium sized enterprises; learning organizations; innovation management
How to Obtain: A copy of the PhD-thesis can be obtained from the following book shop:
Boekhandel Milieuboek
Plantage Middenlaan 2H
1018 DD Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel.: +.31.20.624 4989
 Abstract: This PhD thesis evaluates the development of cleaner products in 77 small and medium sized enterprises which participated in the EcoDesign project of the Dutch Innovation Centre Network in 1995. The aim of the IC EcoDesign project was to increase the level of awareness in Dutch SMEs with regard to Design for Environment. Therefore the project offered a unique opportunity to empirically explore the DFE behaviour of a substantial group of small and medium sized enterprises.

The PhD research was centred around the following two research questions:
A. Why are certain strategies in the field of Design for Environment more successful than others?
B. Why do some SMEs perform well in Design for Environment while others lag behind?

The answers to these questions can help us to understand and remove existing barriers for Design for Environment and encourage SMEs to apply DFE in their product development.