Sustainable Design Flashcards
What are the UN’s stated approach to sustainable design? (6) (Include conflicting info)
Re-think - more efficient products
Re-place - harmful substances
Re-pair - make products easy to repair
Re-use - design for disassembly
Re-duce - energy and material consumption
Re-cycle - select materials which can be re-cycled
Some conflict with DFA guidelines
What are the key challenges of sustainable products? (3)
1) Eliminate use of non-renewable natural resources
2) Eliminate disposal of synthetics and inorganic materials that do not decay easily
3) Eliminate the creation of toxic wastes that are not part of natural life cycle
What are the internal and external drivers for sustainability?
Internal: public image Operational safety Employee motivation Ethical responsibility
External:
Legislation
Market demand
Competitors
What are the 8 steps of the product environmental profile?
1) New concept
2) Enviro friendly materials
3) Less consumption of materials
4) Optimise parts
5) Efficient distribution
6) Reduce impact of use
7) Optimise product life
8) Optimise end-of-life
Gives example of what designers can do to help sustainable designs
Homes:
water collection
efficient heating
LED lighting
Food: reduce packaging
General: educate people, impact of product highlighted
What can the international community do for design for sustainability? (3)
Sustainable development goals:
17 goals, climate action & responsible consumption and production
Conventions:
1992 UN framework on climate change, Paris agreement 2015-16
Protocols:
1997 Kyoto treaty to reduce CO2 emission
What can governments do to help design for sustainability?
Tax penalties - higher taxes on inefficient cars or fuel
Incentives - price reduction on electric cars, incentives on renewables
National legislation - Minimum emissions standards
Local legislation - ban diesel cars in cities
Information - require eco performance
Investment - in environmentally friendly technologies
