The transition to environmentally sustainable production: a roadmap timeline methodology

In this paper, a high-level methodology for the transition to environmentally sustainable practices in the manufacturing industry is developed. The methodology presented in this paper is at the conceptual level and is developed to be applicable to a wide array of industrial settings. The sustainability transitioning methodology provides decision-makers with a roadmap timeline for the methodical decision-making to adopt environmentally sustainable technologies and practices. This is accomplished through integrating two key tools for the selection of new technologies: the technology readiness level, and the ease of implementation versus the impact analysis. The proposed methodology informs decision-makers of the priorities and the perceived impact of the potential technologies. Test and validation are carried out with a case study from the United Kingdom’s aerospace sector. Results from the case study revealed that applying the methodology could influence decision-makers to approve or dismiss the use of new technologies.