1.49 Environmental Issues Flashcards
(33 cards)
How environmental impact for a product can be reduced during the extraction of materials
Washing Machine- The extraction of materials are needed for the product. Plastic steel are the two main materials used. Many of the plastic internal components are now designed to use recyclable materials.
How environmental impact for a product can be reduced during the use of the product
Washing Machine- During use, a washing machine uses 87% of the energy required over its lifecycle. Advances in technology and better consumer wash selection will continue to offer further efficiency options.
How environmental impact for a product can be reduced during end of life
Washing Machine- There are opportunities for refurbishment and reuse of machines as new technologies come on board. Additionally, there is a growing increase in finding new uses for washing machine components at the end of their use phase.
What is a lifecycle assessment
A lifecycle assessment measures the environmental impact of a product during its lifecycle. Environmental impacts are accessed from raw material extraction, to processing the materials, distribution and using the product, and recycling or disposal of the product.
What are greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases are gases that trap and emit infrared radiation emitted for the earth into the atmosphere.
What is climate change
A change in global climate patterns as a result of the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels.
How can designers and manufacturers reduce environmental impact by design
-Engine made from lightweight aluminium
-Double ignition ensures as much fuel is combusted as possible and results in lower emissions.
-Six gear drive- more fuel efficient
How have designers incorporated RETHINK into their design
When designing a product, consideration to environmental impact should be taken, to make the product more sustainable and reduce waste
Eg Ford has rethought its design to reduce weight by 700 lbs, which is more fuel efficient and sustainable
How have designers incorporated REUSE into their design
Designers aim to produce using materials that can be reused or repurposed at the end of the product lifecycle
Eg, HP embraces an industry leading lifecycle approach that includes environmental responsible design and manufacture, as well as end of life recycling- HP uses pateuted technology to process used print
How designers incorporated RECYCLE into their design
-Designers and manufacturers should aim to make products that can be easily recycled in terms of taking it apart and that all items are labelled with recycling purposes.
Eg the Dyson cleaner is made of high grade recyclable material and electrical parts of the product have been designed to be fully recyclable
How have designers incorporated REPAIR into design
Products should have the ability to be easily fixed at a low cost, to extend its life rather than going out and buying a new one.
Eg desktop computers are designed to be repaired- all assemblies are able to be replaced with parts supplied on a cost effective basis.
How have designers incorporated REDUCE into their design
Designers and manufacturers should aim to reduce the amount of scrap and waste materials being produced as well as reducing the amount of energy that is used during production, during a products lifecycle
Eg since 2007 Coca Cola have reduced the weight of their packaging by 27% by removing the cardboard tray. They aim to reduce the amount of material in packaging by 25% by 2020 from 2007.
How have designers incorporated REFUSE into their design
Designers and manufacturers should be looking into the use of renewable and recyclable materials in the manufacture of a product, instead of non renewable materials.
Eg Customers have the right to refuse to purchase a product if they feel everything in the company’s power hasn’t addressed environmental issues
How have companies reduced material use
- Coca Cola since 2007 have decreased the weight by 27%, by removing the cardboard tray. The plan is to reduce the amount of material in all packaging by 25% by 2020.
- Dyson engineers have reinvented the personal fan. Instead of relying on rotating blades to chop air, they accelerated it through annular aperture. The surrounding air is drawn in and a smooth, powerful, high velocity flow is projected out. This fan uses less components and less materials.
What is an environmental audit
An environmental audit is a documented process carried out by an independent third party to assess the current status of an organisations compliance with local environmental laws and regulations.
What are objectives of an Environmental audit
-To determine how well the environmental management information systems and equipment are performing.
-Provides the company with recommendations on how it can improve its environmental practices and reduce the environmental impact
-To control pollution
What are ways designers consider management to waste
-Prevent valuable resources being used up
-Prevent pollution issues with leaching of harmful materials from landfills incinerator ashes
How can designers address environmental issues
-Use a scheme of return or take back old models of products
-Redesign a product for disassemly or recycling
How can designers influence pollution control
-Designers recommend and manufacturers can adopt cleaner technologies and processes
-Manufacturers can adopt waste minimisation techniques
-Manufacturers adopt a more pollution control measures in order to prevent hazardous materials reaching waterways.
What influence does the national government have on design
-Car seats- influence legislation regarding the need for child safety and booster seats and the way they need to be connected to the existing seat belt arrangement
-Electric Cars- Government has encouraged the use of more electric cars and therefore reducing use of fossil fuels. Charging points around the country have been installed to assist the public.
How have the european union influenced design
-Air Quality directive- Emissions of air quality pollution from vehicles reduced, improving the quality of fuels and better engine design.
-Eco labelling- EU have developed a labelling system, which rated the energy efficiency of domestic products, such as fridges, tumble dryer
What are examples of cultural differences
-Colour- Chinese people see black as a colour of evil, and red signifies good luck. Designers and manufacturers are aware of this
-Furniture- Designs normal in Europe wouldn’t sell well in Japan where there is a tradition of kneeling on the floor to drink tea.
With reference to a product, explain how social factors would have been considered
Bicycles are designed to suit different lifecycles. Bicycles have been designed to cater for different lifecycles. Racing, off road, touring and mountain biking are just a few examples.
What is embodied Energy
Embodied energy is the energy associated with the manufacturing of a product or services. Includes energy used for extracting and processing of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, assembly and deconstruction
