An eco-efficiency analysis of the snowboard manufacturing industry. (12th October 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walsh, Justin M.; Singh, Gangaram
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable society. Volume 1:Number 4(2009)
• Page Start: 364
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2009-10-12
• Subjects: eco-efficiency -- snowboard manufacture -- sustainable development -- snow sports -- climate change -- snowboarding -- sustainability -- global warming -- environmental management systems -- EMS -- life cycle assessment -- LCA; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Sustainability -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental responsibility -- Periodicals; Sustainable agriculture -- Periodicals; 304.2805
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-2538

Abstract

This paper examines the eco-efficiency of the snowboard manufacturing industry and how it relates to global warming, increasing climactic volatility and reductions in snowfall worldwide. Our data, and subsequent analysis, illustrate the current eco-efficiency activity within a sample group of snowboard brands headquartered throughout North America and Europe. Though the sample group exhibited an overall eco-efficiency activity level of 'informed', the primary data show an industry wide need for standardisation and implementation of comprehensive environmental management systems and all-encompassing life-cycle assessments. With the ultimate goal of industry wide sustainable development and cradle-to-cradle design, we conclude with a list of current and prospective best practices throughout the global snow sports industry.