Characklis is spending about 15 months in Washington, D.C., as an NAE fellow in the Program Office.
Metrics are any method used in measurement.
The study aims to help companies become more efficient, and at the same time reduce environmental impact. For example, a car company might measure how many pounds of volatile emissions are produced in painting a vehicle and look for ways to reduce emissions by finding ways to use less paint, thereby reducing cost. Companies are enthusiastic about trying to pursue improved environmental performance, and they have to have some way of keeping score of that performance and the bottom line at the same time. Characklis is working with people at major corporations across the country in the auto, paper and pulp, chemical, and electronics industries to examine and establish methods for measuring their production. These measuring sticks will help pinpoint areas of the manufacturing process that could be improved.