2.1.3 Design Considerations Notes

Evaluating Resource Use: Economic, Political, and Environmental Dimensions

Consider that you're tasked with designing a new manufacturing facility for a sustainable product. You face a critical decision: Should you rely on renewable resources, such as solar or wind, or non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels? Each choice comes with trade-offs, economic costs, political influences, and environmental consequences. How do you balance these factors to make the most sustainable decision? This section will guide you through the key considerations and help you navigate the complexities of resource management.

Economic and Political Factors in Resource Use

When selecting resources for a project, economic and political factors are pivotal in shaping decisions. These factors determine the feasibility, sustainability, and broader societal impact of your project.

Set-Up Costs and Financial Feasibility

The initial costs of developing and utilizing a resource, often referred to as set-up costs, are a major consideration. For instance, constructing a solar farm may require significant upfront investment compared to a coal-fired power plant. However, solar energy systems often have lower operational costs, making them more economical over time.

Efficiency of Conversion

Efficiency measures how effectively a resource can be converted into usable energy or materials. Non-renewable resources like coal and oil often benefit from mature, high-efficiency systems but come with significant environmental drawbacks. On the other hand, renewable resources such as solar and wind are increasingly efficient due to technological advancements but still face challenges like intermittency.

Sustainability of Supply

The sustainability of a resource is determined by its renewability and availability. Renewable resources, such as solar and wind, are naturally replenished and considered sustainable. Non-renewable resources, such as coal and oil, are finite and will eventually deplete, making their long-term use unsustainable.

Political and Social Considerations

Resource use often intersects with political and social dynamics. Governments may provide subsidies or tax incentives to promote renewable energy adoption. However, political instability in resource-rich regions can disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and jeopardize project timelines.

Environmental Impact Analysis: Positive and Negative Effects

Every resource development project has environmental consequences. Conducting a thorough environmental impact analysis ensures that designers and policymakers can make informed, balanced decisions.

Positive Environmental Effects

• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels.
• Biodiversity Restoration: Projects like reforestation or sustainable agriculture can enhance biodiversity and improve ecosystem health.

Negative Environmental Effects

• Habitat Destruction: Extracting non-renewable resources or constructing large-scale renewable projects (e.g., hydroelectric dams) can disrupt ecosystems and displace wildlife.
• Pollution: Resource extraction and processing often result in air, water, and soil pollution. For example, oil drilling can lead to spills that devastate marine ecosystems.

Balancing Trade-Offs

To minimize negative impacts, designers can adopt strategies such as:

• Using cleaner technologies: Employing advanced technologies that reduce emissions and waste.
• Conducting life cycle assessments (LCA): Evaluating the environmental impact of a product or system from its creation to disposal.