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Business case Entrance control systems Gunnebo Entrance Control (Sweden) (By Anders Andr, Ph.D., Chalmers University of Technology)

Summary GEC manufactures entrance control systems and conducted an ecodesign project for a specific product. Realised improvements comprise better energy efficiency, enhanced recyclability and reduced number of parts and materials. Especially the latter imposes economic benefits.

The company Gunnebo Entrance Control (GEC) is a part of the worldwide Gunnebo business. GEC focus on entrance control solutions, offering standardised or customised solutions for locations that vast numbers of people visit, work or pass through (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005a).

Fig. 1: Two units of SpeedStile2 EF (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005a).

The eco-designed product The SpeedGates products are mostly used as security doors in subways. The starting point was to come up with a concept smaller than its predecessor. The sensor systems detect movements and prevent unauthorised passage. The SpeedGates are suitable for offices, airports, metros or other premises where high flow capacity is of major importance (Stiftelsen Svensk Industridesign, 2000). Fig. 1 shows two units of the SpeedStile2 EF, one of four SpeedGates products.

Design Elliptical design Delivered with cobalt blue painted

polyurethane as standard Alternative colours, finishes and designs

chosen as options Casework length (N/C) 1448 mm or

(N/O) 1932 mm with 550 mm clear walkway Glass panels 1200 or 1800 mm high

Function Hands-free, no-contact operation User-friendly with high flow-capacities Passage in both directions, electronically

controlled Normally open (N/O) or Normally closed

(N/C) mode Sophisticated sensors detect

unauthorised entry or tailgating Status lights (LED display) within lid top

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EcoDesignAwareness Raising Campaignfor Electrical & Electronics SMEs

Compatible with most card-reader systems, code or biometrics devices Applications/Users: Office/Bank/Finance Airports/Metros/Railways Telecommunications/IT Stadia/Leisure Education/Hospitals (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005a)

Motivation for "being green" The main motivation for starting the environmental thinking was that one of GECs employees had a strong interest in design and ecodesign (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005b). Therefore GEC participated in the EkoDesign-project initiated by Svensk Industridesign (eng. Swedish Industrial Design) promoting ecodesign for sustainable development The purpose was to come up with a smaller and more flexible design concept (Stiftelsen Svensk Industridesign, 2000).

Realised ecological improvements -During normal conditions the glass panels are held open decreasing the energy consumption by 90% -Module based design and decreased product dimensions have led to decreased weight and material consumption -Ingoing materials more easily separable to facilitate service and recycling (Stiftelsen Svensk Industridesign, 2000).

Methodology/technology used The introduction of a new design concept led to environmental improvements. Where applicable, stainless steel was replaced for polyurethane and/or glass. (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005a).

Economic aspects of ecodesign Fewer product parts led to fewer suppliers and lower distribution costs (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005a).

Mid- and long-term experiences of environmental commitment One experience is that GEC found general design more important for their customers than ecodesign. GEC understands that the WEEE directive applies to the SpeedGate systems (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005b).

Main lesson from this case study to be learned by other SMEs Currently, environmentally conscious design is not a natural part of the SpeedGate design process. For the time being, GEC does not plan to introduce ecodesign. GEC believe they have more business advantages due to their design than environmental friendliness (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005b).

REFERENCES Gunnebo Entrance Control (2005a): URL: http://www.gunneboentrance.com/EN/gunnebo/. Accessed 2005-08-23 Gunnebo Entrance Control (2005b): Phone conversation with Conny Borgstrm, Sales officer, +46 8 53171575. Stiftelsen Svensk Industridesign (2000): EKODESIGN: Ett steg mot en hllbar framtid. Rapport frn EkoDesign-projektet 1998-2000, pp. 44-45. URL: http://www.svid.se/

Summary The company Fig. 1: Two units of SpeedStile2 EF (Gunnebo Entrance Control, 2005a). The eco-designed product Motivation for "being green" Realised ecological improvements Methodology/technology used Economic aspects of ecodesign Mid- and long-term experiences of environmental commitment Main lesson from this case study to be learned by other SMEs REFERENCES