Title: Incentives and frameworks for increasing the capital value, service value and use rates of durable goods

Authors: Paul M. Weaver

Addresses: Groundswell Research Associates, UK

Abstract: Maximising the value and utilisation rate of the capital stock of durable goods offers a way to sustain wellbeing even in a capacitated environment. Niche examples demonstrate the potential, but new framing conditions and incentives are needed if the approach is to become mainstreamed. Although single-measure solutions to the essentially-systemic problem of how to provide incentives for change are unlikely, some measures may nevertheless be pivotal. Resource/emission ceilings and individual allowances (preferably tradable) for one or two critical resources or pollutants could form the lynchpin in a systemic approach to restructuring markets that would act on producers and consumers simultaneously.

Keywords: durable products; service products; product-service systems; product lifespan; product utilisation rates; product capital stock; property rights; extended producer responsibility; warranty period; individual carbon allowances; tradable permits; green national accounts; capital value; service value; use rates.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2008.020398

International Journal of Product Development, 2008 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.310 - 333

Published online: 21 Sep 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article