IB Design Technology Topic 8
Sustainability reporting
A company report that focusses on four aspects of performance: Economic; Environmental; Social; and Governance
Smart grids
A modernised electrical grid that uses analogue or digital information and communications technology to gather and act on information (such as behaviours of suppliers and consumers) in an automated fashion to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics and sustainability of the production and distribution of electricity. They can be national or international. International grids allow electricity generated in one country to be used in another.
Lifestyle consumerism
A social and economic order and ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever greater amounts.
Triple bottom line sustainability
An expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational success: economic, environmental and social.
Top-down straegies
At its most basic, this is the breaking down of a system into component parts. From a corporate strategy perspective, a this means that the leadership level will determine the goals and how each department and/or individual employees will contribute to meet those goals
Bottom - up strategies
At its most basic, this is the piecing together of components or systems in order to give rise to a more complex system or product. From a corporate strategy perspective, this methodology means that the leadership level will determine the overall goals, but the workforce will assist in developing the mechanisms and ideas to meet that goal.
Pressure groups
Collections of individuals who hold a similar viewpoint on a particular topic, for example the environment, who take action to promote positive change to meet their goals.
Sustainable design
Designing physical objects and services in accordance with the principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Decoupling
Disconnecting two trends so that one no longer depends on the other. Through the using resources more productively and redesigning production systems, it is technically possible to deliver the same or equivalent goods and services with lower environmental impact while maintaining social and equity benefits.
Product stewardship
Everyone involved in making, selling, buying or handling electronic equipment takes responsibility for minimizing environmental impact of the equipment at all stages in the life cycle.
Datschefshi's five principles of sustainable design
Five principles that facilitate a holistic approach to sustainable design: Cyclic; Solar; Safe; Efficient; Social.
Eco-warrior
Individuals or groups that actively demonstrate on environmental issues
Eco-phobe
Individuals or groups that actively resent talk of environmental protection
Eco-champion
Individuals or groups that champion environmental issues within organizations.
Eco-fan
Individuals or groups that enthusiastically adopt environmentally friendly practices as consumers
Macro energy sustainability
Involves large scale energy generation from non-exhaustive sources for international, national or large community use. Examples include hydroelectric power, wind, wave and geothermal energy generation.
Mirco energy sustainability
Involves small scale energy generation from non-exhaustive sources for individual, household or small community use. Examples include roof mounted solar power or water heating panels, combined solar and wind turbine generated power for illuminated traffic signs, and wearable thermoelectric materials.
Take-back legislation
Laws that require manufacturers to 'take-back' packaging and products at the end of use, requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for their disposal. Reasons for this legislation include to encourage the design of products and packaging that are easily and efficiently recycled, and to reduce waste.
Sustainable consumption
The consumption of goods and services that have minimal environmental impact, promote social equity and economically viable, whilst meeting basic human needs worldwide
Eco-labelling
The labelling of products to demonstrate that they are better for the environment than other products.
Energy labelling
The labelling of products to show how energy efficient they are. The label displays information in four categories: the product's details; Energy classification that shows the product's electrical consumption; Measurements relating to consumption, efficiency and capacity etc.; Noise emitted from the product when in use.
Ethical consumerism
The practice of consciously purchasing products and services produced in a way that minimises social and environmental damage, while avoiding those that have a negative impact on society and the environment.
Energy security
The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.
