Example of a Decision Making
Matrix/Life Cycle Cost Analysis
|
|
Attributes
You Seek
|
Product A
|
Product B
|
Product C
|
| Renewable feedstock |
Made from finite commodity—oil |
Made from readily renewable resource—corn, soy |
Made from postconsumer material |
| Resource conservative |
- |
Made locally, conserving transportation |
Because of reused content, 30% less water and energy
in manufacturing process |
| Robust (healthy) |
| Potentially hazardous properties—ethylene
glycol |
1.79% |
0.001% |
1.12% |
| Physical properties—volatile organic compounds
|
162 grams/liter |
0 grams/liter |
71 grams/liter |
| Cost of waste management + staff exposure + liability |
$ |
$0 |
$ |
| |
| Reusable |
Yes, but supplier will not take excess back |
Yes, but supplier will not take excess back |
As part of contract, supplier will pick up all excess |
| Cost if excessed |
$ |
$ |
$0 |
| |
| Resistent to waste |
| Packaging |
Plastic containers |
Recycled metal containers |
Refillable metal containers |
| Cost of packaging disposal |
$ |
$ |
$0 |
| Quantities |
5-gallon largest |
5-gallon largest |
5-gallon largest |
| |
| Performance |
| Flow |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Coverage |
Sufficient with 1 coat |
Requires 2 coats |
Sufficient with 1 coat |
| Workability |
Excellent |
Very Satisfactory |
Excellent |
| |
| Delivery |
On stock through local supplier |
On stock through local supplier |
Guaranteed delivery within 24 hours |
| Purchase Price |
$32/gallon$115/5-gallon cont. |
$68/2 gallons (2 coats) $280/10-gallon cont. |
$9/gallon with contract $40/5-gallon cont. |
| Life Cycle Cost |
$[total above costs] |
$ |
$ |
Your actual chart might be larger or more complex depending
on the product or service being considered. Even with the
help of the matrix, the decisions are not easy. What is the
most environmentally preferable: a product made from a renewable
resource or one made with recycled content, a product whose
delivery is local and so reduces the use of fuel or one whose
manufacture reduces energy and water? The answers to the decisions
will depend on your site's needs and requirements and the
particular situation. (Information on this web page is from
The Competitive Advantage - EcoPurchasing published
by Battelle Press, Columbus, Ohio.)
