Eco‐design planning in a Chinese telecommunication network company : Benchmarking its parent company

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a framework for Chinese telecommunication network companies on how to implement eco‐design by benchmarking its parent foreign company. Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to study key aspects for eco‐design planning in Alcatel Shanghai‐Bell Co. Ltd (ASB). Challenges and possible solutions are discussed. Findings – It is reasonable and effective for Chinese joint ventures to develop their eco‐design planning by benchmarking their parent companies. Key aspects for such eco‐planning include top management commitments, awareness of employees, and training of eco‐design tools. Research limitations/implications – Eco‐design is still an emerging environmental tool among Chinese telecommunication network companies. As a result, quantified data about eco‐design practices and performance improvements are not available. How to record such data still requires further study and data acquisition. Practical implications – This paper provides ideas for Chinese (and other) telecommunication companies to develop their eco‐design planning. The proposed solutions can guide Chinese telecommunication network companies to overcome challenges for their eco‐design planning and implementation. Originality/value – This paper puts forward a framework for Chinese telecommunication companies to initiate their eco‐design practices by benchmarking their leading parent companies. The framework can be applied to Chinese and other telecommunication network companies with few environmental experiences and practices.