Performance evaluation of DFE tools

The latest enhancement of CES Selector and DFMA software has introduced the capacity for the user to estimate the eco-impact of a product during its early design stage. This addition of environmental assessment capabilities gives both tools a useful asset. However, to be successful in industry, a Design for Environment (DFE) tool must have real appeal to the designer. This paper presents a comparison between Granta's Eco-audit tool, the Industrial Design Consultancy's LCA Calculator, Product Ecology Consultants' (PRe) Eco-it 1.3 tool and Boothroyd Dewhurst Inc.'s (BDI) DFMA 2009 software, with the focus on generating improvements to the usability and appearance of a DFE tool. A case study was conducted to assess the tools and perceived problems were highlighted.