Web based design and compliance system

The hub of the web based system is the process steps and procedures screen which lists the environmental design and compliance steps that the design team should carry out at each of the stages in a typical new product design process. Steps which are formal requirements of the IEC 62430 standard are identified as instructions for the design team to follow. The system also includes good practice recommendations which are identified as recommendations for the design team to consider.

The web-based system has been tested thoroughly by product design teams in the US and the UK.

The environmental design and compliance system links into the legislation database and the environmental design database. For example, Step 2.1 requires the design team to use Worksheet A1 to identify environmental regulatory compliance requirements for the particular markets where the product will be sold. Worksheet A1 provides the bullet point list of design requirements that the design team must include in the requirements specification for each relevant item of legislation:

If the product design team wants more details about a particular item of legislation they can click on the link in the worksheet which will take them to the relevant section in the legislation database, such as information about the RoHS Directive.

Legislation database

The legislation database explains practical compliance requirements for RoHS, WEEE, Batteries, Power Supplies and Packaging legislation in three main regions:

• European Union
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan)
• United States

It also covers the EU Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive and the REACH Regulation. Where regulations vary across member states or countries interactive maps are used to provide easy access to the information.

The scope of the legislation database is constantly increasing. We aim to provide advice and guidance on practical compliance issues and options for all relevant environmental legislation which impacts directly on product design. New geographic regions and product regulatory issues will be added in the future.

Environmental design database

Environmental design aims to minimise the materials, utilities and wastes involved in, and therefore environmental impact of, product manufacture, use, service & repair and ultimate disposal and recycling at end of life. Environmental design is one aspect of good design practice and overlaps with many other design approaches such as lean manufacturing, design for assembly/disassembly, cost down, etc.

Consumer electronics manufacturers should already be addressing many aspects of environmental design. However, all companies can benefit from formalising their approach to environmental design by using our environmental design and compliance system. Our club focuses particular attention on assisting consumer electronics manufacturers to design more energy efficient products.

The environmental design database supports the checklists and worksheets in the environmental design and compliance system by providing guidance on:

• Materials selection
• Mechanical design
• Electronic and electrical design
• Packaging
• Minimising impacts in normal use
• Design for repair and maintenance
• Design for recycling

Taking a structured approach to addressing environmental design at each stage in the new product design process can highlight new opportunities to minimise product environmental costs. Application of similar environmental design processes at Siemens has reduced product costs by between 30% and 50% in some cases.

Other features and functions provided by the web system

Uploading confidential company information

Each of the topic pages within the web system includes a secure area in the right hand column. This secure area is for the company to use to share confidential information with other company account users. The secure area can be edited by an administrator at the company and can also be used to link to confidential documents on company intranet servers. Providing links in this way does not give another party access to these documents.

Setting user preferences for update notifications

The web system issues e-mail alerts to signpost users to new or updated items on the legislation database and environmental design database. For example, that a new webinar or guidance note has been produced to explain a new item of product environmental legislation, new EcoDesign technique, additional information on selecting greener materials, etc. Users can select which categories they would like to receive update notifications for. Update notification e-mails will be issued every two weeks.

Submitting a question to the ENVIRON panel of experts

Each of the topic pages within the web system includes an area in the right hand column where the user can ask a question about that particular topic. The ENVIRON panel of experts aims to answer all questions within two working days.

Viewing the company user directory

The web system includes a directory of staff in your company who have user accounts or administrator accounts. This enables users to:

• contact a company administrator with suggestions for additional confidential information for uploading onto the secure area
• contact other company users to share experience and information.

For further information, please contact Dr Aidan Turnbull
Head of WEEE, RoHS & EcoDesign on +44 (0)1225 748420