Sustainability improvement in complex systems composed of products and services

Abstract Purpose A wide number of research efforts have been carried out over the last decades to assess and improve system sustainability. Different methods tools are increasingly implemented in product systems; nevertheless its application services other systems, which products combined, is rather limited. In this work, an approach sustainability systems composed (P + S systems) proposed two case studies. Methods The improvement P addressed integrating different approaches. flows between used identify links all involved. life cycle assessment (LCSA) method applied simultaneously evaluate environmental, economic social aspects with a perspective. addition, sustainable design principles taken into account propose effective strategies. systematic development four phases required carry integration these approaches: (i) identification involved (ii) system; (iii) strategies; (iv) results comparison. Results discussion Two analysed. First, improvements service provided by clothing boutique proposed, taking that store where developed clothes acquired provider operation. Next, itinerary exhibition investigated. Products for space layout as well transport materials locations account. each case, indicators obtained both initial alternative compared, variations detected due strategies Conclusions Sustainability evaluated using set quantitative indicators, relative incidence determined more alternatives projected. Thus, supposes advance towards complex services, since effects interconnection studied criteria sustainability-oriented decision making provided.