Eco-conception in the industrial firms: methodological proposition

Purpose - The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodological approach of eco-conception by presenting the eco-conception stakes of a firm, its organisation modes with regard to this new approach and how one could insert the environmental data in the classical conception process. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, an eco-conception methodology is developed. It is about an approach integrating the concepts: quality, safety and environment (QSE). The taking into account simultaneously of these concepts, in the frame of our approach, allows us to conceive clean and durable products. The failure modes effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) was used in a case study to validate our approach. Findings - This paper is a development of an approach with results obligation. Owing to our eco-conception approach of products, the respect of environment is taken into consideration at the stage of product design. From regulation point of view, we put into reflection the approach with results obligation, i.e. approach by objectives of QSE. Practical implications - A better definition of products implying functional specifications (products performance) strengthened by others of environmental type. As expected from this full definition of products, we cite the minimisation of products effects by unifying man at work (safety of person and goods), man as manager (quality, availability and reliability), as resident (safety in the vicinity of industrial sites) and as citizen (safeguarding environment). Originality/value - Taking into account the triptych QSE at the product design stage. Our suggestion necessitates the implication of all the actors. Therefore, efforts must be concentrated on the dynamic and progressive integration of these actors. Our work is a source of information and knowledge. It is a source of information, as it allows to supply necessary data for better definition and conception of products. It is, in the same time, a source of knowledge in the sense where it presents specific methods (FMECA), that allow to put into existence the interest or rather the necessity of merger of the three concepts QSE.