LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT THROUGH BUSINESS DRIVEN SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ̶ OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS

This paper is based on a study of the current sustainability management system landscape within the ABB Group and discusses the limitations and opportunities related to these systems and belonging tools. It also suggests a sustainability management model which covers both the “vertical” and “horizontal” directions along the value chain. The model describes how current management systems and tools can be better linked to the business strategy and decision situations to enable sustainable growth and profit while contributing to a “better world”. The main conclusions are that LCM needs to be explored further through the lenses of each company’s specific organization. Finally the role of a continual improvement procedure is considered the cornerstone for “true” life cycle implementation.