Our industrial ecology research raises questions related to the environmental aspects of industrial systems and products. Western Norway Research Institute has specialized in examining how specific production processes and products may become less harmful for the environment and the climate. In the Norwegian context, WNRI was a pioneer in establishing a link between industrial ecology and the realm of transportation and mobility. In terms of scientific methods, the life-cycle analysis (LCA) plays a central part in this research.

In several instances, we have engaged in impact assessments of new, alternative, or green technologies, with a focus on health and environment risks posed by green replacement substances in electronic devices. WNRI has coordinated a 2-year EU project in this field, Europe-China Cooperation in Green Electronics Production Research (EC-GEPRO). The institute has also conducted life-cycle assessments of new production technologies for microprocessors and solar cells.