Generally, it is known that majority of the product’s environmental impacts during its life cycle are determined already at the design phase. Therefore, taking environmental aspects into consideration early, when the product is under design, we can significantly improve the environmental performance of the product. The life cycle of Konecranes products can be very long, and this is why significant environmental improvements can be achieved through smarter and more resource efficient products.
The life cycle of a crane consists of the production of raw materials and components, manufacturing, use and maintenance, disposal of the product, and deliveries between each stage. Each stage of the life cycle has different impacts on the environment. Based on the product and its energy intensity, the two most significant environmental impacts come from energy consumption during the use phase and the production of raw materials and components.