Automotive Applications Division Features

Environmental Competence: IPP
by Geraint Williams,
International Automotive Research Centre, University of Warwick, UK

Objective
Understand the issues and provide clear direction for the project partners to ensure an effective response to the Integrated Product Policy (IPP).

Background
Due to the growing concern over climate change and the increase in focus on environmental issues the automotive industry has been seeking new ways of improving the environmental performance of their vehicles over the complete life cycle in line with the EU Integrated Product Policy (IPP) proposals.

• IPP has been developed by the European Commission as part of its commitment to Sustainable Development
• The primary aim of IPP is to minimise the environmental impact of products over their whole life cycle, harnessing a market driven approach

The Commission will focus on two actions to move towards its objective:

• Establishing the framework conditions for continuous environmental improvement of products through all phases of their life cycle
• Develop a focus on products with the greatest environmental impact

Drivers

• Creation of an economic and legal framework through taxes and subsidies and introduction of legislation
• Promotion of life cycle thinking
• Green public & corporate purchasing, environmental labelling
• Better informed consumers and increased transparency will stimulate performance improvement
• Continuous improvement - incl. extended producer responsibility such as the ELV directive and Interior Air Quality requirements

Technical deliverables

• Recommended actions in response to the implications of the Integrated Product Policy
• Documented proposal to optimise advantage with respect to implications of Green Public Procurement
• Defined perspective of how to effectively engage customers within an EPD framework
• Validated mechanism for LCA dissemination and application
• Effective engagement with and dissemination of information to the supplier base.

Partner opportunities

• Increased awareness of IPP direction and expectation will enable the supply base to:
  • realign internal structures and control mechanisms to meet future requirements
  • effectively communicate their views and concerns to the relevant industry forum
  • maintain effective dialogue with OEM
  • adjust corporate strategies to maintain competitive position
• Access to knowledge, material and component technology developments associated with the programme

For further information please contact:
Geraint Williams - Project Manager
Tel: 024 7657 5990
Email: g.j.williams@warwick.ac.uk