Practice IB Design Technology (DT) Topic 8. Sustainability in Design with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 8. Sustainability in Design and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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A product design team is evaluating a new consumer appliance using the Triple Bottom Line framework. Which row correctly categorizes the performance indicators for each of the three pillars of sustainability?
Which of the following describes the concept of 'decoupling' as it relates to a country's transition toward a more sustainable economy?
| Economic Pillar | Social Pillar | Environmental Pillar |
|---|
| A | Energy efficiency | Sales revenue | Community health |
| B | Long-term profitability | Fair labor practices | Carbon footprint |
| C | Worker safety | Resource depletion | Shareholder value |
| D | Waste management | Product durability | Market growth |
A procurement officer at a construction firm shifts the company's purchasing strategy to favor suppliers with verified sustainable forestry certifications and leads internal training on the benefits of resource efficiency. Which consumer category is best exemplified by this individual?
Decoupling is a central aim of sustainable development, measuring the relationship between economic growth and its associated environmental pressures.
The table shows changes over a 5-year period:
| Indicator | Change over 5 years |
|---|---|
| GDP | +15% |
| CO2 emissions | -5% |
Which type of decoupling is illustrated by this data?
The table below outlines two distinct approaches for achieving sustainable innovation.
| Strategy | Implementation Example |
|---|---|
| Strategy X | A national government introduces a tax on carbon-intensive manufacturing processes and provides subsidies for renewable energy infrastructure. |
| Strategy Y | A local community group organizes a neighborhood composting program and a shared tool library to reduce household waste. |
Which term best describes Strategy X?
A
B
C
D
Separating the increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the increase in environmental impact
Eliminating the use of multi-material composites to improve the ease of product recycling
Shifting the responsibility for product disposal from the local government to the manufacturer
Reducing the influence of international pressure groups on local consumer behavior
