1.2 Sustainability And The Environment Flashcards
(34 cards)
Why does designers need to have a good idea of resources that they use?
Designers need to know which materials are sustainable to maintain their reputation. Over harvesting and overuse has a dire impact than the planet.
What are finite resources?
Resources that are of limited supply or cannot be reproduced. Uses of this should be limited and alternatives should be used where possible
What are non finite resources?
Resources which are in abundant supply which can be grown to replace the ones that have been used. They cannot be exhausted
List the most important environmental factors to consider
- CO2 emissions while manufacturing
- Transportation emissions
- impact on the environment when sourcing or mining
- impact on availability
- material, maintainance and repair
- welfare of workers and Fairtrade
- ethics and the law
What is lifecycle assessment?
It is a way for companies to assess the environmental Impact of a product during it’s lifespan. It also measures co2, energy and ethics
5 main stages of LCA
Extraction and processing Manufacturing Distribution Use End of life
Where is the energy used?
In extraction, energy is used to extract raw material or harvesting farming and to process it
Energy is used to refine raw materials to make a product
Energy is used for transportation to the end user and packaging
Energy is used while using in use by the users
Energy is required to recycle or dispose of waste
What LCE?
To save energy, to improve working conditions, rediuce emissions, save material, to think about how the environment can be affected less
How is waste controlled?
National and international organisations have limits set and fines in place to limit waste. Landfill sites also fill up fast.
Define sustainability
Not causing permanent damage to the environment and not using up finite resources
What is biodegradable?
If they can be broken down over time and don’t take up landfill like plastic
For example wood and paper can rot away
What is carbon footprint?
The amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by making, using and disposing a product throughout its life
What does carbon footprint include?
The release of greenhouse gases during transportation, eg when resources are transported and the finished product is transported by burning fossil fuels as energy to the factory, to shops, to the user, and finally to its final disposal location
Emissions are also released during manufacturing and during use eg charging a phone releases CO2 because of the energy.
Why is recycling important
All products eventually come to the end orphan their life so a new one must be made which causes production along with disposal. Plastic, paper, glass and some metals can be recycled
What is design for disassembly?
Some products are made from many components and several materials which makes it hard to recycle because parts have to be separated. Design for disassembly is when a product is designed to be easily disassembled and be easily recycled or reused
What is planned or built in obsolescence?
Products which are designed tk become useless quickly eg phones which go out of fashion when a new and better model comes out
Why is build In obsolescence bad for the environment?
Because more materials and energy is used to make replacement products
What is design for maintainance?
Products designed to last and have a less impact on the environment by making it durable and so that parts can be repaired or replaced, eg most household appliances like washing machines which can be repaired
Another example is that mobile phones and tablets can be designed so that parts can be individually upgraded or replaced which is an alternative to getting a completely new phone which cuts down on waste. Eg a new and fast processor
What is carbon offsetting?
When companies invest into positive activities that reduce carbon emissions. They can reduce energy use and CO2 emissions, improve energy efficiency, incorporate renewable energy and purchase carbon offsets
What are the 6Rs?
A guidance to help designers reduce the impact that new products have on the environment by devising sustainable solutions
Repair, reuse, recycle, rethink, reduce, refuse
What is the hierarchy of sustainability?
A pyramid that places strategies that are the best for the planet above those that have a greater negative impact on the environment
What is refuse?
Simply asking if something is necessary or not. This can save 100% of what would be used. You can refuse to buy a product that you do not need or think is wasteful, eg plastic bags and fish from overfishing
What is rethink?
Thinking about the way a product is made or the materials used. Designers can ask if the materials are locally sourced, are they sustainably produced, are they finite and essential?
A product can be redesigned to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, eg a company can think how to communicate with their customers without paper
What is reduce?
The result of rethinking a desig. Reducing the number of products a consumer needs to buy so that it cuts down on energy and materials used
Some examples are using modern materials which are stronger and save energy, making a design for disassembly, using motion sensitive lighting or heating, turn of lights and close windows to save energy
