Integrated Environmental Management Tools for Product and Organizations in Clusters: Greening the Supply Chain by Applying LCAs and Environmental Management Systems with a Cluster Approach

Abstract

In industrial clusters, cooperation among different actors operating in the same sector provides theoretical arguments in favor of the coordination of life cycle thinking initiatives, such as the sharing of green supply chain practices and the implementation of product-oriented environmental management systems, as well as other evolved environmental management practices. Grounding on the Eco-innovation “Imagine” project, this chapter describes a case study on the practical applicability of a cluster-based approach to life cycle management and, in particular, to life cycle assessment, one of the most innovative product-related environmental management tools. The project focused on four industrial clusters located in the Tuscany region (Italy), which have been involved in the implementation of local innovative environmental policies and tools, based on a life cycle approach, to improve their competitiveness. In-field evidences are discussed and a roadmap is shown for supporting the coordination of life cycle management in industrial clusters.