The Value Added of Green Chemistry
Table of contents
Here you can access the online survey "Overcoming Hurdles to Implementing Green Chemistry"
Green Chemistry is a fundamental design framework that changes the nature of the products that are the basis of our society and our economy as well as the way we manufacture and use these products. It aims at the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. In order to provide a framework for scientists and engineers to use when designing new materials, products, processes, and systems,twelve principles of Green Chemistry were developed.
But even if companies are persuaded by the concept of Green Chemistry, they ask for its contribution to their company’s value. In this project an integrated evaluation method was developed that allows users to evaluate a new, innovative process/product.
Such a new product or process must meet environmental and economic goals. And as an additional condition, the functionality, efficacy, and quality have to be guaranteed. We seek a concept to measure the environmental and economic effects, indicate the interdependencies between the goals, and measure the value added in relation to the company’s value. Based on the disciplines involved, four different perspectives were identified: chemical/engineering, ecological, economic, and risk management.
Despite tremendous progress, especially in the research area, Green Chemistry has not yet become a common aspect in industrial chemistry. Existing impediments were analysed as part of the project. Those impediments – also called hurdles or barriers – are factors that may hamper, decelerate, or even block Green Chemistry. Only if they can be identified and evaluated may strategies to handle them be developed. An online questionnaire on the topic of Overcoming Hurdles to Implementing Green Chemistry" was developed. This explorative survey wanted to assess the impediments from an expert’s and practitioner’s point of view and is available in English and German language.
Leadership
Researcher
Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Antje Fritzsche
Cooperation
Prof. Julie B. Zimmerman, Ph.D., Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
Prof. Paul Anastas, Ph.D., Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering.
Term
01/2007 - 12/2008
Financing
- Sächsischen Staatsministeriums für Wissenschaft und Kunst (grant)
- ACS Green Chemistry Institute (GCI)
Publications
- Günther, E.; Fritzsche, A.; Zimmerman, J.; Anastas, P.: Value of new technologies and impediments for their implementation - Analyzed for the concept of Green Chemistry, Conference Proceedings der 23. EGOS Tagung an der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien am 07.07.2007.
- Matus, K. J. M.; Anastas, P. T.; Clark, W. C.; Itameri-Kinter, K.: Overcoming the Challenges to the Implementation of Green Chemistry. CID Working Paper No. 155. Center for International Development at Harvard University, December 2007.
- Günther, E.; Berger, A.: Treiber der Umweltleistung von Produkten. In: Umweltwirtschaftsforum, 9. Jg. (2001), H. 4, S. 50-56.
Presentations and Press Review
- Think twice about Risk: Challenges to the Implementation of Green Chemistry. Vortrag im Rahmen der Academy of Management in Chicago (USA) am 10.08.2009 (Prof. Edeltraud Guenther, Dipl.-Ing. Antje Fritzsche)
- Challenges to the Implementation of Green Chemistry. 1st International Symposium on the Green Chemistry for Environment and Health at the Helmholtz Zentrum München 15.10.2008. (Antje Fritzsche)
- Thinking Twice about Risk - Challenges to the Implementation of Green Chemistry. 24th EGOS colloquium at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 12.07.2008. (Antje Fritzsche)
- Value of new technologies and impediments for their implementation - Analyzed for the concept of Green Chemistry im Rahmen der 23. EGOS Tagung an der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien am 07.07.2007. (Prof. Dr. Edeltraud Günther)
- Value added of Green Chemistry. Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government: Workshop on Impediment, 22.-23. February 2007 (Prof. Dr. Edeltraud Günther)