By using sustainability measurements in their production factors, SMEs can improve their performances and reduce their costs.
All materials used for the manufacture of a product have consequences on the environment. These can be evaluated using three indicators:
These are listed on the OECD website, where additional information may be found: OECD sustainable manufacturing indicators.
To calculate these indicators, the company must be able to determine the quantity of each material required for manufacture of its products. This information can be obtained from suppliers.
The indicators are calculated using the following formula:
I1. Non-renewable materials intensity = Weight of non-renewable resources consumed / Standardization factor
The indicator will fall as sustainability improves
I2. Restricted substances intensity = Weight of restricted substances consumed / Standardization factor
The indicator will fall as sustainability improves
I3. Recycled/reused content of material inputs = (Total weight of recycled material + Total weight of reused material) / Total weight of material inputs
The indicator will increase at the same time as sustainability
The information relating to Standardization factors is available in the chapter entitled “Standardization of environmental performance”:
In addition to reducing the company's environmental impact, increasing the sustainability of production factors offers several major advantages:
Source: OECD guidelines on sustainable manufacturing
These measurements also enable the company to offer its customers a guarantee of compliance with environmental standards.
Last modification 10.11.2021
