Design and Technology – Sustainable design | e-Consult

Designers and manufacturers have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainability. Their responsibilities extend beyond simply choosing 'green' materials; they must consider the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.

Designers' Responsibilities:

• Material Selection: Prioritising materials with low environmental impact. This includes recycled content, bio-based materials, and materials with high recyclability. Designers must consider the embodied energy of materials.
• Design for Durability: Creating products designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This involves robust design, modularity for easy repair, and using high-quality components.
• Design for Disassembly: Designing products that can be easily taken apart for repair, reuse, or recycling. This reduces waste and facilitates material recovery.
• Minimising Material Use: Optimising designs to reduce the overall amount of material used, contributing to resource conservation.

Manufacturers' Responsibilities:

• Supply Chain Management: Sourcing materials from suppliers with sustainable practices. This includes verifying environmental certifications and promoting ethical sourcing.
• Manufacturing Processes: Implementing manufacturing processes that minimise waste, energy consumption, and pollution. This could involve using renewable energy, closed-loop systems, and reducing water usage.
• Packaging: Using sustainable packaging materials, such as recycled cardboard, biodegradable plastics, or minimal packaging.
• Product Stewardship: Taking responsibility for the end-of-life of their products. This could involve offering take-back schemes, promoting recycling programs, or designing for recyclability.

Environmental and Economic Factors: The choice of sustainable materials and processes is often influenced by a trade-off between environmental and economic considerations. While sustainable materials may sometimes be more expensive, long-term cost savings can be achieved through durability, reduced waste, and improved resource efficiency. Government regulations and consumer demand for sustainable products are also key drivers.