IB Design Technology 8.3 Sustainable Design Notes

The Role of Sustainable Design in the Product Lifecycle

1. Sustainable design aims to minimize environmental impact by considering the environmental, social, and economic consequences of a product throughout its lifecycle.
2. But how can we systematically analyze and improve a product’s sustainability?
3. This is where eco-design principles come into play.

Analyzing a Product’s Lifecycle Through Eco-Design Principles

1. A product’s lifecycle consists of several stages: raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal.
2. Each stage has potential environmental consequences, such as greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation.
3. Eco-design principles aim to address these impacts by embedding sustainability into every stage of the design process.
4. Let’s break it down:
   1. Raw Material Extraction: Designers can select renewable or recycled materials to reduce dependency on finite resources.
   2. Manufacturing: Processes can be optimized to use less energy or produce less waste.
   3. Distribution: Packaging can be minimized, and transportation methods with lower carbon footprints can be prioritized.
   4. Use: Products can be designed for energy efficiency or durability to extend their usable life.
   5. End-of-Life: Designers can focus on recyclability or biodegradability to ensure materials re-enter the ecosystem rather than becoming waste.

By integrating eco-design principles, designers can significantly reduce a product’s environmental footprint while still meeting user needs.

Differentiating Green Design and Sustainable Design

1. At first glance, the terms "green design" and "sustainable design" might seem interchangeable.
2. However, they differ significantly in their scope, goals, and implementation strategies.

Green Design: A Narrower Focus

1. Focuses on reducing environmental impact during a specific stage of a product’s lifecycle.
2. Often reactive, responding to regulatory or consumer pressures.

Sustainable Design: A Holistic Approach