Datchefski's Five Principles of Sustainable Design
- Five principles that facilitate a holistic approach to sustainable design:
- Cyclic
- Solar
- Safe
- Efficient
- Social
- They focus on the full environmental, social, and functional impact of a product.
Cyclic
Definition
Cyclic (Datchefski's Principle)
The product is made from natural or recyclable materials that can be safely returned to the environment or reused in a closed-loop system, without creating waste.
- Uses recyclable or compostable materials
- Designed for reuse, repair, or remanufacture
- Avoids landfill waste
- Encourages closed-loop systems
Solar
Definition
Solar (Datchefski's Principle)
The product is designed to be powered by renewable energy, such as solar, wind, or hydro, during both manufacture and use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Manufactured using renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind)
- Operates using low or no fossil fuels
- May include solar charging or energy-harvesting technology
Safe
Definition
Safe (Datchefski's Principle)
The product is non-toxic throughout its life cycle—safe to use, dispose of, and manufacture, without harming people or ecosystems.
- Avoids hazardous materials or chemicals
- Ensures safe handling throughout lifecycle
- Uses non-polluting processes
