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Standard ISO 14006 as a guide for ecodesign

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 AULA DYNA INGENIERÍA Y
NORMA ISO COMO GUÍA PARA EL ECODISEÑO TECNOLOGÍA DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE
J Maderna-Fernández, S Pérez-Canto, JC Rubio-Romero Ecodiseño

DYNA Classroom
THE ISO 14006 STANDARD AS A GUIDELINE FOR ECODESIGN
Jorge Maderna-Fernández* Industrial Engineer
Salvador Pérez-Canto* PhD. Industrial Engineer
Juan Carlos Rubio-Romero* PhD. Industrial Engineer
*School of Industrial Engineering. University of Malaga. Campus of Teatinos - 29071 Malaga, Spain
Phone: +34 951 952 456. E-mail: spc@uma.es

1. INTRODUCTION
The concerns felt by the markets, public administrations and society in general over the environmental damage caused
by economic activity has forced organisations to take a more responsible corporate approach. Increasing social and legal
pressure is placed on organisations that do not consider and, as far as possible, mitigate their environmental impact, and
nowadays organisations cannot ignore their obligations in this regard due to the threat of legal consequences, loss of
standing and other risks, not to mention the benefits and opportunities that could be lost [1].

Organisations are currently obliged to meet certain requirements and establish in-house procedures as a prerequisite to
entering certain markets or tendering for public contracts, and this trend is becoming more widespread with the
introduction of more certification, control and inspection procedures. A mere commitment to reduce environmental
impact is no longer enough; companies must demonstrate that they have effective environmental measures in place. The
question, therefore, is not the need for such measures, but how they should be implemented. Furthermore, the
environmental approach taken by organisations has evolved from a strictly business-based perspective to one where
they consider the environmental impact of their activity to be part of their contribution to sustainable development and
inherent to their corporate social responsibility agenda [2].

Implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS), defined in standard UNE-EN ISO 14001:2004 as:
"Part of an organization's management system used to develop and implement its environmental policy and manage its
environmental aspects" is now widespread in the business sector. By January 2012, around 250,000 organisations in
155 countries had obtained this certification [3]. In recent year, tools [4] designed to complement EMSs and improve
environmental performance have been developed, one of the most powerful being ecodesign. This system factors in the
environmental aspects of each stage of the life cycle, and is more efficient the earlier it is integrated into the design and
development stage of the product. This has been demonstrated by international studies, such as [5].

The introduction of standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 [6] established ecodesign worldwide; it set out a reference
framework for incorporating the standard into the economic activity of any organisation and defined a comprehensive
process for applying it to product design and development.

2. THE ECODESIGN CONCEPT

2.1. ECODESIGN
In October 2011, standard UNE-EN ISO 14006: "Environmental management systems. Guidelines for incorporating
ecodesign" was published, which defined ecodesign in the following terms: "Integrating environmental aspects into
product design and development with the aim of reducing adverse environmental impacts over the life time of the
product" [6].

Aside from improving environmental performance, which would alone justify implementing the standard, the effective
integration of ISO 14006 has a number of important potential benefits. This is borne out by international studies [7,8].
Other studies conducted on Spanish organisations have shown how the use of ecodesign has successfully reduced the
environmental impact of the product, improved quality and brought down costs [9,10].

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 AULA DYNA INGENIERÍA Y
NORMA ISO COMO GUÍA PARA EL ECODISEÑO TECNOLOGÍA DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE
J Maderna-Fernández, S Pérez-Canto, JC Rubio-Romero Ecodiseño

Good environmental management gives organisations a number of competitive advantages by improving management,
processes, products, resources and brand image; it also attracts investment and can qualify them for tax benefits, grants
and awards. Furthermore, the development and incorporation of innovations or modifications in products and
procedures leads to the establishment of a process of continual improvement and creates a climate of cooperation and
commitment among employees, a phenomenon that has been analysed by authors such as Wimmer [8]. It is important to
note that we are not talking about the mere introduction of changes that improve the environmental performance of a
single product, but rather the implementation of medium- and long-term strategies that affect all decision-making and
operational levels.

Standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 specifically states that by their very nature ecodesign processes can be
implemented in all organisations, irrespective of their size or line of activity. Recent case studies based on the
successful application of ecodesign in different sectors have been published by authors such as Muñoz or Arana-Landin
[10,11,12].

Some of the most important problems and challenges faced by organisations seeking to introduce ecodesign are: the
need to commit financial, human and material resources to these projects, although the extent of the problem depends
on the depth and scope assigned to each project; the need for both vertical and horizontal commitment, involvement and
cooperation at all levels of the organisation, a problem that mainly affects entrenched or dispersed organisational
structures; implementation of a new work culture and philosophy capable of undergoing constant changes during
ongoing improvement processes, which in some cases leads to problems involving inexperienced or poorly trained
workers; problems derived from duplication of effort or the difficulty of integrating the new system into procedures
established in existing processes; and delayed or uncertain results and profits, since these depend to a large extent on the
performance of project managers. Finally, it is important to highlight the difficulty in many cases of knowing whether
certain actions are appropriate or the real extent to which environmental impact will be mitigated, since the actual
impact of certain elements, aspects or raw materials is not always easy to calculate or estimate.

In any event, most organisations are faced with the abovementioned problems as a result of market dynamics and the
actions of their competitors, irrespective of the introduction of ecodesign processes, and in most cases good
management can turn these difficulties into competitive advantages. Standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 also defines a
frame of reference and a set of guidelines for integrating ecodesign into the most widely adopted environmental
management and quality systems, UNE-EN ISO 14001:2004 and UNE-EN ISO 9001:2008, with the aim of easing to a
large extent problems associated with duplication and integration.

2.2. EARLIER STANDARDS

In 2003, standard UNE 150301:2003 was published as a frame of reference for organisations seeking to introduce
ecodesign into their manufacturing processes. The standard establishes a systematic methodology for identifying,
evaluating and diminishing the environmental impact of products through a process of continual improvement [13].
Based on the good results obtained, the standard was used as the basis for standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011. The
influence of the 2003 standard in ISO 14006 is evident from its similarities in structure and requirements [6]. Standard
UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011, however, defines a comprehensive, broader-ranging management system with international
validity.

2.3. ADOPTION OF STANDARD UNE 150301:2003

By November 2011, 129 organisations had adopted standard UNE 150301:2003 in Spain: Basque Country (57),
Catalonia (18), Navarre (18), Madrid (14), Castille and Leon (9), La Rioja (5), Valencia (3), Asturias (1), Castille la
Mancha (1), Cantabria (1), Andalusia (1) and the Canary Islands (1) [12]. Of these 129 organisations, 114 were from the
construction industry (94 architectural studios, 11 furniture design studios, 5 domestic appliance studios, 2 studios
specialising in the design of lifts, and 1 in residential electrical installations). Although the standard is applicable to any
kind of organisation, it is interesting to note that it was poorly received in the industrial sector, which would in principle
be the ideal setting for exploiting the benefits of ecodesign [12].

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 AULA DYNA INGENIERÍA Y
NORMA ISO COMO GUÍA PARA EL ECODISEÑO TECNOLOGÍA DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE
J Maderna-Fernández, S Pérez-Canto, JC Rubio-Romero Ecodiseño

3. ANALYSIS OF STANDARD UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011

3.1. OVERVIEW
In July 2011, standard ISO 14006: “Environmental management systems. Guidelines for incorporating ecodesign”;
adopted by AENOR as UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011: “Sistemas de gestión ambiental. Directrices para la incorporación
del ecodiseño” was published. The standard is part of the ISO 14000 family of standards, it is adapted to suit any kind
of organisation and is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) continuous improvement cycle, or Deming cycle.

3.2. STRUCTURE OF STANDARD UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011

Standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 comprises an introduction, six chapters and two annexes [6]. The first three
chapters deal with the object and scope, normative references and terms and definitions. The fourth chapter focuses on
the role of top management in ecodesign; the fifth deals with guidelines for incorporating ecodesign in an EMS; and the
sixth addresses the subject of ecodesign activities in product design and development. Finally, these are two annexes
dealing with the role of top management and strategic issues on ecodesign, and the correlation of ISO 14006:2011 with
other international standards.

3.3. THE ROLE OF TOP MANAGEMENT

Ecodesign is an approach that affects all levels of the organisation, from top management down to the shop floor.
Although everyone must accept responsibility and commit to the process, the contribution of top management is
fundamental (Table 1).

Strategic planning and integration Integration and strategic implementation

Allocation of resources Management of in- Multidisciplinary approach
Changes in conditions and improvements house processes Involving the entire value chain
Strategic aspects
Environmental performance targets Cultivate communication channels
Focus on innovation
Value creation

Table 1. Ecodesign-related tasks for top management

Source: Our research based on [6].

3.4. GUIDELINES FOR INCORPORATING ECODESIGN INTO AN EMS

The guidelines are aimed at ISO 14001:2004 standard-compliant EMSs. The main changes focus on the need to
consider the product's entire life cycle, and to analyse whether the proposed changes to reduce the environmental impact
at a particular stage will not increase the impact at another stage, effectively diminishing the overall performance. To
prevent this, significant impacts at each stage of the life cycle must be identified and quantified. UNE-EN ISO
9001:2008 requirements continue to apply to the product design and development process, although the standard
acknowledges the validity of other models.

3.5. ECODESIGN ACTIVITIES IN PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

This chapter outlines the fundamental aspects of ecodesign: general aspects, product life cycle, project processes,
environmental evaluation of the product, analysis of the environmental requirements of different stakeholders, review of
the process and involvement of the value chain [6].

3.5.1. Product life cycle

Ecodesign is integrated into the product design and development process from the start to ensure that environmental
aspects are taken into consideration very early on in the process, even from the idea stage. This is why ecodesign, by
reducing or eliminating environmental impact altogether, has such an enormous effect on this process and guides the
subsequent development of the product. Attempts to improve environmental performance once the product has been

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 AULA DYNA INGENIERÍA Y
NORMA ISO COMO GUÍA PARA EL ECODISEÑO TECNOLOGÍA DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE
J Maderna-Fernández, S Pérez-Canto, JC Rubio-Romero Ecodiseño

fully developed or marketed would restrict any possible improvements or modifications almost exclusively to
manufacturing or distributions strategies.

Figure (1) shows the different product life cycle stages affected by ecodesign.

Transport of
Production
raw materials

Product design and Acquisition of raw

Development materials
PRODUCT LIFE Distribution and
CYCLE delivery
End of life

Maintenance Use

Fig. 1: Stages in the life cycle of a product

3.5.2. Development of an ecodesign project

The different stages in the development of an ecodesign project, according to standard 14006, are shown in Figure (2)

1. Specify product functions.

2. Define important environmental parameters.

Analyse stakeholders' environmental demands
Starting elements
Evaluate environmental aspects

3. Identify environmental protection strategies.

4. Develop environmental objectives and targets.

5. Establish product specifications.

6. Develop technical solutions.

Fig. 2: Product design and development in ecodesign projects

Source: Our research based on [6].

Ecodesign cannot be based solely on mitigating environmental impact; as with any design process, it is essential to
balance the requirements of all agents involved in the design and development process. Other criteria to be considered
include: quality management, human resources and health and safety requirements applicable to the product or the
workers involved, legal requirements, etc. All the foregoing must be given equal weight in the finished project.

3.6. CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 clearly states that it should not be used as a basis for certification as it establishes
guidelines rather specific environmental performance criteria. Nevertheless, several Spanish certification agencies, such
as EQA, OcaCert and AENOR, certify the standard, allowing organisations the benefit of undergoing an external audit.

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 AULA DYNA INGENIERÍA Y
NORMA ISO COMO GUÍA PARA EL ECODISEÑO TECNOLOGÍA DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE
J Maderna-Fernández, S Pérez-Canto, JC Rubio-Romero Ecodiseño

No other agencies from other European countries such as Germany, France or the United Kingdom have certified the
standard, and this could be due to several factors, among them the absence of an earlier certifiable standard, the fact that
the standard itself states explicitly that it is not intended for certification purpose, or simply because it is so recent.
However, the good results of the preceding standard in Spain, and the possibility of integrating it with UNE-EN ISO
14001:2004 and UNE-EN ISO 9001:2008, suggest that it will be widely accepted worldwide.

It is important to note that unlike UNE-EN ISO 9001:2008, UNE-EN ISO 14001:2004 or even UNE 150301:2003,
which certify the whole organisation, UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 certification is awarded to specific products. The aim
is to ensure that each project is undertaken in strict compliance with established requirements, and this could affect
acceptance of the standard because of the additional associated costs involved and the time and resources needed to
undergo different external certification processes.

4. CONCLUSIONS
Standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 establishes guidelines for the incorporation of ecodesign principles in an
environmental management system. It is important to note the importance of this standard for industry, since it is the
first international standard to deal specifically with ecodesign - a powerful design and management tool with many
potential benefits that can directly improve environmental performance.

An approach such as ecodesign can have an impact throughout the organisation and even change its internal structure
by introducing the need to consider, evaluate and implement innovations and changes in nearly all processes and
products. The entire workforce and all the functional areas of the organisation have to work together to implement and
develop ecodesign and be accountable for their specific tasks; however, it is up to the organisation to decide the scope
and type of projects to be undertaken.

The problems, costs and challenges involved in implementing ecodesign are negligible compared to the direct and
indirect benefits of introducing the system, although this does not mean that the organisation will not have to make a
major effort to ensure that the ecodesign process is well-managed and implemented in order to obtain positive and
satisfactory results. Although the investment involved is no doubt considerable, ecodesign should not be labelled as a
costly tool. The most costly aspects of the process are: development and implementation of the management system and
of the innovations and changes to be included. Aside from a direct improvement in environmental impact, which itself
justifies adopting the standard, good management of the environmental aspects of production and design give
organisations a real and significant competitive advantage

An ecodesign project based on standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 can be successfully implemented in any type of
organisation without the need to commit a substantial amount of resources, at least at the design and planning stage.
Simply evaluating the environmental impact of its particular activity usually significantly improves an organisation's
environmental performance, thereby creating potential competitive advantages.

Implementation of standard UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011 is justified as much by the benefits to be derived from constantly
developing and implementing innovations and adapting products and processes as by the fact that can it can either
complement or be integrated into UNE-EN ISO 9001:2008, (quality management) and UNE-EN ISO 14001:2004,
(environmental management), characteristics that suggest that the standard will be accepted worldwide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

[1] Esty DC, Winston A. “Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive
Advantage”. Wiley, Hoboken, 2006. 384p. ISBN: 978-0300119978.

[2] Luna-González JP, Rodríguez-Hurtado ME. “Ampliación de las responsabilidades de uso de los indicadores de RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL
CORPORATIVA”. Dyna Septiembre-Octubre 2012. Vol.87-5, p.558-565. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6036/4586

[3] Cavero-González V. INFORME ISO: España al frente de los certificados ISO 14001 [en línea]. Global O2. Madrid. [ref. de 7 de febrero de
2012]. Disponible en Web: <http://www.globalo2.es/espanha-lider-certificados-iso-1400/> [Consulta: 7 de diciembre de 2012]

Pag. 5 / 6
Publicaciones DYNA SL-- c) Mazarredo nº69 -3º -- 48009-BILBAO (SPAIN)
Tel +34 944 237 566 – www.revistadyna.com - email: dyna@revistadyna.com
 AULA DYNA INGENIERÍA Y
NORMA ISO COMO GUÍA PARA EL ECODISEÑO TECNOLOGÍA DEL
MEDIO AMBIENTE
J Maderna-Fernández, S Pérez-Canto, JC Rubio-Romero Ecodiseño

[4] Bovea MD, Pérez-Belis V. “A taxonomy of ecodesign tools for integrating environmental requirements into the product design process”. Journal
of Cleaner Production, Vol.20-1, p.61-71. Elsevier B.V. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.07.012

[5] Poudelet V, Chayer JA, Margni M et al. “A process-based approach to operationalize life cycle assessment through the development of an eco-
design decision-support system”. Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol.33, p.192-201. Elsevier B.V. DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.04.005

[6] AENOR: Sistemas de gestión ambiental. Directrices para la incorporación del ecodiseño (ISO 14006:2011). UNE-EN ISO 14006:2011.
Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación. Octubre de 2011. Madrid.

[7] UNIDO. EcoDesign in MAKSS Packaging Industries Ltd. in Kampala, Uganda [en línea]. United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
United Nations. Disponible en Web: <http://www.unido.org/fileadmin/import/9790_MAKSSboxesEcoDesignUganda.pdf> [Consulta: 7 de diciembre
de 2012]

[8] Wimmer W, Lee KM, Quella F et al. “ECODESIGN-The Competitive Advantage”. Alliance for Global Sustainability Book series. Vol.18, 2010.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9127-7. Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media B.V. Berlin.

[9] Arana-Landin G, Heras-Saizarbitoria I. “Paving the way for the ISO 14006 ecodesign standard: an exploratory study in Spanish companies”.
Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol.19-9-10, p.1007-1015. Elsevier B.V. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.01.013

[10] Arana-Landin G, Heras-Saizarbitoria I, Cilleruelo-Carrasco E. “A case study of the adoption of a reference standard for ISO 14006 in the lift
industry”. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 2012, Vol. 14, p. 641-649. Springer-Verlag. DOI: 10.1007/s10098-011-0427-4

[11] Muñoz I, Gazulla C, Bala A et al. “LCA and ecodesign in the toy industry: case study of a teddy bear incorporating electric and electronic
components”. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2009, Vol. 14, p. 64-72. Springer-Verlag. DOI: 10.1007/s11367-008-0044-6

[12] Arana-Landin G, Cilleruelo E, Aldasoro JC. “ISO 14006. Experiencias previas de estudios de arquitectura que han adoptado el estándar de
ecodiseño UNE 150301:2003”. Informes de la Construcción, Vol. 64, 527, p. 319-330. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. DOI:
10.3989/ic.11.010

[13] AENOR. “Ecodiseño: situación actual y tendencias futuras en el ámbito de la normalización y certificación” [en línea]. Asociación Española de
Normalización y Certificación. Madrid. Disponible en Web: <http://www.infocalidad.net/wp-content/uploads/ecodise%C3%B1o-AENOR.pdf>
[Consulta: 6 de diciembre de 2012]

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