Effectiveness of ecodesign methods in assisting SMEs towards market success
Year: 2013
Editor: John Lawlor, Ger Reilly, Robert Simpson, Michael Ring, Ahmed Kovacevic, Mark McGrath, William Ion, David Tormey, Erik Bohemia, Chris McMahon, Brian Parkinson
Author: Bugali, Munire Hilal; Gulari, Melehat Nil
Series: E&PDE
Institution: 1: Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom; 2: Robert Gordon University, United Kingdom
Section: Sustainability
Page(s): 804-809
ISBN: 978-1-904670-42-1
Abstract
This study focuses on how design can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) achieve sustainability through implementing ecodesign approaches. The literature review on sustainability and ecodesign attempts to reveal key players and concepts in the area, explore the motivations for sustainability practices and the barriers to conduct them. Empirical research, which assembles findings from 10 interviews and an online investigation about 30 companies, explores the successful implementations of ecodesign in SMEs. The findings of this study reveal how design can prove to be an effective tool to achieve sustainability in SMEs through engaging ecodesign methods. It proves that achieving sustainability is not an economic burden; on the contrary, it can create financial opportunities. This study will benefit other companies by establishing a framework to manage the shift towards a sustainability-oriented business approach. Design practitioners can use these examples to communicate the value of sustainability during design education since leadership in ecodesign is essential to assist SMEsâ transition into a sustainable business model.
Keywords: Ecodesign, sustainability, SMEs, profitability