Green manufacturing process assessment by DEA method

The green assessment technology is an important part of the green manufacturing. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is often used in the assessment of some evaluated objects and methods, but it is not applicable to the manufacturing process assessment. A concept of green manufacturing process assessment was presented in this paper, which uses DEA model. Each concrete action in the manufacturing process is regarded as a DMU (decision making unit) in DEA. Except inputs and outputs considered usually, the effects to environment in the manufacturing process are also treated as the outputs to assess the relative green efficiency of the manufacturing process. DEA method needs not to specify the assessment index weights beforehand, but it can also be used in case of specified weights. The use of DEA can efficiently reflect the constantly changing process of green degree in the specific manufacturing process under the invariable equipments and products. An example of the DEA in the green assessment of powder manufacturing was introduced finally.