Realize LIVE blog series: How Capgemini is embracing sustainability with NX
Welcome back to another new installation recapping a thought-provoking session on sustainability. The focus of this session was on the impressive capabilities of NX™ software in the realm of sustainability and lifecycle assessment (LCA). The presentation showcased how NX can be a game-changer for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace a circular economy.
Lifecycle assessment: A deep dive
Doretha Pohkmann from Capgemini began with a detailed breakdown of the LCA process. Using a drone as an example, it was demonstrated how LCA can identify the driving forces behind the environmental impact of different components. “What you can do with the LCA lifecycle assessment is you can put slices to see which lifecycle stage is the driving force on the materials, on the components,” Pohkmann suggested.
By focusing on the body assembly and the tail of the drone, it was revealed that these two parts accounted for more than 80% of the product’s environmental footprint. This insight underscores the importance of conducting an LCA early in the design process to pinpoint areas for improvement.
Leveraging the digital thread
The presentation highlighted the power of the digital thread and the concept of a single source of truth. By integrating new sustainability requirements into Teamcenter® software, the team was able to set ambitious targets, such as reducing the carbon footprint by 20% and the consumption of virgin materials by 20%. “We need to drastically reduce the carbon emissions. And today is the day to do so,” Pohkmann emphasized.
A few clicks to big changes
One of the standout moments was the demonstration of how NX can facilitate significant environmental improvements with minimal effort. By using NX, the team was able to create different variants of the drone, each with different materials. The results were impressive: a 46% reduction in environmental impact was achieved simply by switching from aluminum to bio-based plastic.
“With just a few clicks, you see already what you could do differently. It’s an impact of 46%, a reduction of 46% already, but just changing material,” Pohkmann noted. This example illustrated how NX allows designers and engineers to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.
Integrating sustainability KPIs
The presentation also showcased how sustainability KPIs are integrated into NX, providing real-time feedback on the environmental impact of design choices. This integration ensures that sustainability is considered at every stage of the design process, making it easier for companies to meet their environmental goals.
Cost considerations
Addressing the common concern of balancing sustainability with cost, the presentation demonstrated how Teamcenter Product Cost Management (PCM) can provide visibility into the cost implications of different design choices. By using the same single source of truth, companies can evaluate the cost and environmental impact simultaneously.
“Your top management will come and say, okay, what about the cost? Here again, digital thread, we use the same single source of truth,” she explained. This approach ensures that sustainability initiatives are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable.
To wrap up
The presentation concluded with a call to action for companies to start redesigning their products today to meet future sustainability targets. By leveraging the powerful tools within NX and Teamcenter, companies can make significant strides towards reducing their environmental impact and embracing a circular economy.
“Everything you need as a designer, as an engineer to have the visibility and you can get started,” Pohkmann encouraged. This presentation was a testament to the transformative potential of NX in driving sustainable innovation.
Explore the full recorded session on the Realize LIVE web library to learn more about their incredible journey below.
