Introduction
Sustainability is at the heart of IB Design Technology (DT). From material choices to production methods and product life cycles, sustainability principles guide how students think about design in the modern world. With first exams in 2027, this is one of the most important areas of the syllabus to master.
In this article, we’ll explore the role of sustainability in IB DT, how it appears in both coursework and exams, and how to study it effectively. For complete guidance, RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub has in-depth resources tailored for the new syllabus.
Quick Start Checklist
- Sustainability is a core theme across the syllabus.
- Appears in IA projects, Paper 2, and Paper 3 (HL).
- Involves materials, energy use, production, and waste management.
- Requires evaluation of trade-offs in design decisions.
- RevisionDojo provides sustainability-focused study resources for 2027 exams.
What Sustainability Means in IB DT
In IB Design Technology, sustainability means designing products and systems that:
- Minimize environmental impact – reducing waste, energy use, and emissions.
- Maximize efficiency – designing products that use resources wisely.
- Promote longevity – creating durable and reusable designs.
- Encourage circular systems – emphasizing repair, reuse, and recycling.
Sustainability in Assessments
- Paper 1: Tests definitions (e.g., renewable vs non-renewable, life cycle analysis).
- Paper 2: Extended questions often ask students to evaluate sustainable choices.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Case studies may require analyzing a product’s sustainability trade-offs.
- IA: Students are expected to show how sustainability influenced their design process.
Examples of Sustainable Design in IA Projects
- Designing compostable packaging for a local café.
- Creating a solar-powered portable charger for students.
- Developing a reusable water filtration system for communities.
- Designing modular furniture to extend product life.
These projects demonstrate how sustainability can be applied to real-world design problems.
Tips for Mastering Sustainability
- Learn the vocabulary: life cycle analysis, cradle-to-cradle, embodied energy.
- Practice evaluations: weigh pros and cons of different material or production choices.
- Think big picture: connect designs to social and cultural sustainability, not just environmental.
- Use examples: link concepts to real-world innovations in sustainable design.
How RevisionDojo Supports Sustainability Learning
RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub provides:
- Clear breakdowns of sustainability concepts.
- IA project guidance with sustainability examples.
- Exam-style questions focusing on sustainable design trade-offs.
- Case study practice for HL Paper 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How important is sustainability in IB DT?
Very important — it’s a recurring theme in exams, IA projects, and the overall philosophy of the course.
2. Do I need to include sustainability in my IA?
Yes. Ignoring sustainability can weaken your project and lower your marks.
3. What’s the difference between environmental and social sustainability?
Environmental sustainability focuses on materials, waste, and energy, while social sustainability considers user needs, ethics, and cultural impact.
4. How is sustainability tested in exams?
Through definitions, application questions, and evaluation of design trade-offs.
5. Where can I find sustainability-focused revision resources?
RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub includes sustainability study tools for 2027 exams.
Conclusion
Sustainability is more than just a topic in IB Design Technology — it’s a mindset that shapes how students approach every project and exam question. By mastering sustainability principles, you’ll not only boost your IB grade but also develop skills relevant to real-world design challenges.
With first exams in 2027, students need resources they can trust. RevisionDojo already provides the best sustainability guides for IB DT, ensuring you’re ready for both IA and exams.
Start learning sustainability the right way with the IB Design Technology study hub.
