EADS Astrium has become the latest member of the Environmental Materials Information
Technology (EMIT) Consortium.
The project, which began work on July 1, 2008, is developing information resources
and software that aid members’ response to regulations such as REACH and
enable design for minimum environmental impact, including low carbon footprint,
energy efficiency, and reduced wastes and emissions.
EADS Astrium join founder memebers Emerson, Eurocopter, NASA, Rolls-Royce,
and the UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Granta
Design is the primary software developer. Membership of the project is expected
to grow to between ten and fifteen members, following the model of the successful
Material Data Management Consortium (MDMC).
EMIT is a unique opportunity to participate in setting the standards in eco
materials information technology for the coming decade. Organizations become
eligible for membership by purchasing a qualifying package of software. Members
receive new software and data as it is developed and share the benefits of a
muilti-million € development program. Members help to guide this program,
ensuring that their critical business needs are met at much lower cost and risk
than alternative approaches, particularly in-house development.
Members use the Consortium to generate solutions to their own problems. At
the same time, they benefit from the ideas and expertise of other members in
solving common issues. The Consortium is developing software including:
Restricted substances tools that help engineering enterprises to respond to
REACH and similar regulations. Track the impact of legislation, generate restricted
substance reports, design to avoid restricted substances, identify substitute
materials.
Tools to enable design for low energy or carbon footprint. A novel Eco Audit
Tool provides a quick and easy means to estimate the eco impact of a product
at each point in its lifecyce. Selection software helps to identify materials
that minimize this impact.
Reference information to enable enable a rational and well-informed response
to eco challenges.
The project recently held its first review meeting at Eurocopter's Marseille
site. The next project meeting will be at Rolls-Royce's Derby, UK site in April,
2009.