Harnessing Open-Source Hardware For Transparent Sustainability Assessments: A Case Study On Small-Scale Wind Turbines

Collaborative product development is essential to the modern industrial landscape, with Open-Source- Hardware (OSH) emerging as an innovative approach where both the design process and the output are openly shared. This study explores the potential of OSH to improve the transparency and ease of sustainability assessment, specifically through the lens of small wind turbines. By using available OSH designs, we demonstrate the feasibility of conducting screening Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). This approach not only facilitates the comparison of the environmental impacts of different product designs, but also guides future product development towards sustainability. Our analysis highlights the data gaps required for comprehensive LCA studies and compares the results with existing LCA research. The findings suggest that OSH can play a key role in making sustainability assessments more accessible and transparent, thereby encouraging more sustainable practices in product development. This study highlights the importance of open collaboration and access to information in driving sustainable product innovation, particularly in the context of renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines.