Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
8th International African Conference on Contemporary Scientific Research, Nairobi, Kenya, 11 - 13 Ekim 2024, ss.51-61
This study investigates integrating sustainable product design and energy-efficient life cycle approaches within the automotive sector, emphasizing Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) as essential tools for evaluating environmental impacts from material extraction to vehicle disposal. Sustainable design strategies, including eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes, are explored to reduce emissions, waste, and resource consumption while maintaining vehicle functionality and safety. While innovation plays a key role in this transformation, the research highlights the need for transformative industrial policies and systemic reforms to challenge unsustainable practices in the automotive sector. Meso-scale policies, especially phase-out policies for unsustainable technologies, are crucial for achieving the Paris Agreement’s emission targets. However, the effectiveness of such policies remains uncertain, underscoring the importance of (supra)national governance and robust policy interventions to disrupt existing automotive systems. In addition to policy reforms, the study emphasizes the importance of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) in driving sustainability across the automotive sector. Traditional supply chain practices contribute to declining organizational performance, and many practitioners lack awareness of SSCM challenges, posing obstacles to adoption. The research also highlights the pivotal role of primary suppliers in shaping sustainability outcomes, as the intricate automotive supply chains make it difficult for companies to ensure compliance at all levels. The findings suggest that achieving long-term sustainability in the automotive sector requires systemic changes, including adopting circular economy models and comprehensive LCAs. The study recommends advancing research on sustainable materials, enhancing policies that promote eco-conscious practices, implementing environmental tax schemes, and improving frameworks for managing end-of-life vehicles. Integrating advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), is also highlighted as a key enabler for improving efficiency and sustainability across automotive supply chains.