Sustainable product development (SPD) is a method for product development that incorporates t he Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), also known as The Natural Step (TNS). Incorporating sustainability aspects early on in the product development process has been claimed to offer competitive advantage.

Scope

SPD includes both product development and product design. Design has two main goals: preventing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Environmental impact involves deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, resource/material management, etc. Resource acquisition (extraction and refining) tends to be the activity that most affects the environment. Use of renewable and recyclable materials can diminish pollution and waste. Conserving and avoiding resource use (e.g., water), and adopting renewable energy improve sustainability.

History

SPD originates from the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, the 1987 Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, and the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Improvement.

Literature