Introducing life cycle thinking in product development - A case from Siemens Wind Power

How can use of LCA improve the environmental sustainability of wind industry products? An analysis of a case study from Siemens Wind Power identifies the knowledge offered by LCA that is relevant to each step of the product development process (PDP). The study illustrates the difference that this knowledge can make to the decision making in the PDP and to the environmental sustainability of the product. Based on these findings, the study concludes with a discussion of barriers for LCA integration in the PDP of complex products and possible measures to overcome them.