Sustainability

State some ways in which a design may be modified to increase the efficiency.

A simpler design with fewer components to reduce materials use and assembly time. Different materials to reduce their weight or the quantity used. Materials that use less energy during manufacture and produce less waste. Simpler components that are easier to machine or mould and produce less waste. A simplified or different work flow with improved quality control.

What is Life-Cycle assessment

A technique now widely used to assess and evaluate the impact of the product or packaging 'from the cradle to the grave' through the extraction and processing of raw materials, the production phase, and life-cycle processes including distribution, use and final disposal of the product.

How is a life-cycle inventory often expressed?

As a process tree

Why are polymers not environmentally friendly?

Because they are derived from crude oil, which is a finite resource.

Why are manufacturers obliged to reduce packaging?

Because they are under the UK Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997.

What are economic inputs and outputs of a product?

Components or energy that are outputs from other processes.

What does the Government's Envirowise programme suggest that manufacturers do?

Consider the materials and designs they use Examine ways of eliminating or reducing the packaging requirement of a product - changes in product design, improved cleanliness, better handling, JIT delivery, bulk delivery, etc Optimise packaging use, ie match packaging to the level of protection needed.

What are the ways that designers can design for recycling?

Consider: Easy to dismantle for repair or re-use and so extending the product life. Easy to separate different materials for recycling. Easy to remove components that must be treated separately for repair. Use as few materials as possible. Mark the materials/polymers in order to sort them correctly. Avoid surface treatments in order to sort them correctly Avoid surface treatments in order to keep the materials 'clean'

What are the five factors of sustainability that Edwin Datschefski define?

Cyclic: Products that are made from biodegradable organic materials or from minerals that are continuously recycled, decreasing levels of waste and pollution; for example, products made from Biopol Solar: Products that in manufacture and use consume only renewable energy that is cyclic and safe; for example, products made using renewable energy sources such as wind power and products that operate using solar-powered (photovoltaic) cells. Safe: All releases to air, water, land or space are 'food' for other systems; for example, products that do not emit unnecessary pollutants or chemicals during their manufacture. Efficient: products that in manufacture and use require 90% less energy, materials and water than equivalent products did in 1990; for example, a reduction of materials used in packaging a product, which decreases the amount of raw materials extracted, energy used in processing/manufacturing, and pollution, etc. Social: products whose manufacture and use supports basic human rights and natural justice; for example, Fairtrade products that help producers in developing countries receive a fair share of profits, which reduces exploitation of the workforce.

What are the five factors that make up product sustainability that Edwin Datschefski defines in his book The Total Beauty of Sustainable Products

Cylic: Products that are made from biodegradable organic materials or from minerals that are continuously recycled, decreasing levels of waste and pollution; for example, products made from Biopol. Solar: Products that I manufacture and use consume only renewable energy that is cyclic and safe; for example, products made using renewable energy sources such as wind power and products that operate using solar-powered (photovoltaic) cells. Safe: All releases to air, water, land or space are 'food' for other systems; for example, products that do not emit unnecessary pollutants or chemicals during ti manufacture. Efficient: Products that in manufacture and use require 90% less energy, materials and water than equivalent products did in 1990; for example, a reduction of materials used in packaging a product, which decreases the amount of raw materials extracted, energy used in processing/manufacturing, and pollution etc. Social: products who manufacture and use supports basic human rights and natural justice; for example, Fairtrade products that help producers in developing countries receive a fair share of profits, which reduces exploitation of the workforce.

What are some of the requirements that can cause a product to be sustainable?

Easy to dismantle or repair or re-use and so extending product life. Easy to separate different materials for recycling. Easy to remove components that must be treated separately for repair. Use as few different materials. Mark the materials/polymers I order to sort them correctly. Avoid surface treatments in order o keep the materials 'clean'.

Why must a designer optimize the amount of materials needed to package a product?

In order to minimize the consumption of resources, which will in turn, achieve significant cost savings and improve profit margins

What environmental considerations do you have to have in mind when you are at the Use stage of the life-cycle process?

Increase durability of product Encourage refill consumables where appropriate Use 'green' credentials as a positive marketing strategy Promote efficient use of a product

What is a life-cycle inventory?

It describes which raw materials are used and what emissions will occur during the life of a product. The basis of this study is to compile a list of industrial processes that occur during the life cycle of a product including environmental inputs and outputs and economic inputs and outputs.

What is the point to reusing something?

It minimizes the extraction and processing of raw materials and the energy and resources required for recycling.

What are the advantages of using Compressed natural gas as an alternative to fuel?

Kits fit to existing diesel vehicles, such as HGVs. Similar economy to diesel Reduces diesel emissions

What does LCA stand for?

Life-cycle assessment

What environmental considerations do you have to have in mind when you are at the End-of-life stage of the life-cycle process?

Make reuse and recycling easier Reduce waste to landfill

What are the disadvantages of using Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to fuel?

Not available for diesel vehicles No factory-fit models available

What are the four 'Rs'?

Reduce Reuse Recover Recycle

What environmental considerations do you have to have in mind when you are at the manufacture stage of the life-cycle process?

Reduce energy use Simplify processes where appropriate Reduce waste Use natural resources efficiently

What environmental considerations do you have to have in mind when you are at the Distribution stage of the life-cycle process?

Reduce or lighten packaging Reduce mileage of transportation to customer

What are the advantages of using Bio ethanol as an alternative to fuel?

Reduced emissions Increased power Factory-fit models now available Renewable fuel

What are the advantages of using Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to fuel?

Relatively good fuel availability Good range of kits available Reduced emissions Increasingly good supply of used vehicles low-cost fuel - less than 50% of diesel Reliable performance

What does sustainability mean?

Safeguarding the world for ourselves and for future generations, using energy and other resources in a way that minimizes their depletion, and designing for a better quality of life.

What does 'built in obsolescence' mean?

The product cannot be repaired when it breaks and therefore needs to be replaced.

Why is it that timber that has been transported long distances is not environmentally friendly?

This means high transport costs and increased carbon dioxide emissions.

What are alternative ways of distribution of products than driving it around in a lorry that are more sustainable?

Trains (Especially electric trains) Waterways (where appropriate)

What environmental considerations do you have to have in mind when you are at the raw material stage of the life-cycle process?

Use less material Use materials with less environmental impact Consider recyclable materials Adhere to relevant legislation

What are the advantages of using electricity as an alternative to fuel?

Very limited range Slow charging/refilling time

What are the disadvantages of using Hydrogen as an alternative to fuel?

Very poor availability of fuel Limited availability of kits and vehicles

What are the disadvantages of using Compressed natural gas as an alternative to fuel?

Very poor availability of fuel Limited availability of kits and vehicles Slow refuelling times

What are the disadvantages of using Bio ethanol as an alternative to fuel?

Very poor availability of fuel Limited availability of vehicles Similar price in diesel Up to 30% lower economy than petrol

What is the advantage of using electricity as an alternative to fuel?

Zero emissions

What are the advantages of using Hydrogen as an alternative to fuel?

Zero emissions Renewable fuel