Ecodesign: A Study of the Ecodesign Directive and Ecodesign Practices at Grundfos, Bang & Olufsen and Danfoss Power Electronics

This PhD thesis is about the Ecodesign Directive and how companies apply ecodesign. The analyses shows that the Ecodesign Directive provides a framework for setting comprehensive ecodesign requirements, but the implementation of the Ecodesign Directive entails a unilateral focus on energy in the use phase. The case study of televisions shows that the ambition of the minimum requirements is relatively low and ecodesign efforts are driven by technological development rather than the Ecodesign Directive. The analysis of the case companies shows that Grundfos has a high ambition level whereas Bang & Olufsen’s and Danfoss Power Electronic’s sustainability strategies include sustainability to some degree. Despite different strategies towards sustainability, the employees are facing similar challenges when working with sustainability, for example that the organisational structure is not yet in line with the ambition level. On the operational level, the analysis shows that the companies’ business strategy is a major driver and barrier for practicing ecodesign in the companies. In the product development, the product concept specification and product requirement specification are determining the approach to ecodesign. The Ecodesign Directive influences the companies no matter at what strategic level they are working with sustainability.