BS EN 16524:2020

This document describes a methodology for reducing the overall environmental impact through product design and development that is tailored to mechanical products as defined in 3.1.

This methodology is particularly well suited to the redesign of an existing product; it can also be applied for the design of a new product provided the necessary assumptions regarding a (virtual) reference product are taken.

It addresses companies which have decided to integrate an ecodesign approach to optimize environmental impacts within the product life cycle, in relation to the other product aspects, such as functionality, quality, costs, etc.

It also helps to meet some requirements of EN ISO 14001:2015 on the integration of environmental aspects in the design of products.

NOTE 1 This document targets persons who are directly involved in the design and development of mechanical products, as well as managers responsible for defining corporate policies, and decision-makers. The proposed methodology is intended to kick-start ecodesign initiatives within companies as part of a continuous improvement approach.

This document also includes a template that companies can use as part of the communication on their environmental approach.

This document is neither intended nor suitable to compare products (even similar) of different suppliers.

This document is neither intended nor suitable for product certification purposes.

NOTE 2 An example for the implementation of the methodology is given in Annex D; the background of the algorithm used for this methodology is explained in Annex E.