EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABILITY OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES – A CASE STUDY IN THE METAL-PROCESSING INDUSTRY
Date of Award
2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Department
Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering
First Advisor
Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi
Abstract
This study addresses the critical challenge of measuring sustainability in industrial production by developing a new, application-oriented metric that integrates economic, ecological, and social dimensions. Historically, corporate strategies have predominantly focused on economic performance; however, growing environmental and social concerns have led to a broader recognition of sustainability as essential for mitigating global emissions and achieving long-term industrial resilience. Despite numerous existing approaches, that assess sustainability based on economic and ecological factors, such as Life-Cycle Assessment and Value-Stream Mapping, a significant research gap remains in the practical inclusion of the social dimension. Moreover, most of these approaches evaluate entire production plants or supply chain processes in a theoretical manner, making them difficult to implement in practice.
To fill this gap, the study proposes a metric based on twelve measurable factors, four corresponding to each sustainability dimension, which is designed for straightforward application within industrial settings using readily available data. The primary aim is to facilitate a relative comparison between different production steps that yield the same output, thereby enabling decision-makers to identify the more sustainable process and to support sustainable production layout and investment decisions. The metric also offers adaptability through the possibility of weighting individual factors to meet specific organizational requirements and is scalable for use at both the machine and overall process levels.
\The practical applicability of the metric was demonstrated in the metal-processing industry, where empirical data from on-site investigations and historical records revealed a marked sustainability disparity between two production machines. This case study underscores the potential of the proposed metric to provide clear, actionable insights for enhancing sustainability in industrial production. Despite its strengths, the study acknowledges challenges related to data collection and the integration of diverse sustainability dimensions, suggesting that further research is needed to refine the metric and validate its application across a broader range of industrial contexts.
Recommended Citation
Degner, Fynn, "EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABILITY OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES – A CASE STUDY IN THE METAL-PROCESSING INDUSTRY" (2025). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2670.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2670