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CTSA - Chapter 1 - Introduction

This publication presents the methods and resources needed to conduct a Cleaner Technologies Substitutes Assessment (CTSA), a methodology for evaluating the comparative risk, performance, cost, and resource conservation of alternatives to chemicals currently used by specific industry sectors. The CTSA methodology was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) Program, the University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies, and other partners in voluntary, cooperative, industry-specific pilot projects.

This publication is designed for trade associations, businesses, citizen groups, government agencies, or other stakeholders interested in learning about, initiating, or participating in a CTSA. The goal is to provide the CTSA methodology to anyone who can benefit from the increased efficiency and reduced environmental risk that results from using a cleaner product, process, or technology. It presents sources of data, analytical models, and previously published guidance that can be used in a CTSA. A companion publication, Design for the Environment: Building Partnerships for Environmental Improvement (EPA, 1995a), describes other aspects of DfE industry projects, including how DfE projects are organized and how DfE partnerships disseminate project results.

Click here for an Adobe Acrobat pdf version of Chapter 1 in its entirety. [51K pdf file]

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Contents