Design for Sustainability

The 21st century is marked by unprecedented climate change brought about by human activity, especially in the design, use and retirement of products. Non-renewable natural resources are being consumed at a rate that is unsustainable, while greenhouse gas emissions are at their highest levels since the first industrial revolution. Because of intense hyper competition globally, extremely short product cycles are the norm, exerting considerable pressure on both designers and fabricators alike. And yet, despite all this, it is still possible for humankind to thrive, provided we are more circumspect about what we do that impact the natural environment.

Objectives

The aim of this short course is to introduce participants to contemporary design thinking that preserves the natural environment through a broad overview of topics as shown in the outline.

Outline

PART A: Design for Manufacture (DFM)

• DFM principles
• Merits and limitations
• Manufacturing processes and process capability

PART B: Design for Sustainability

• Design for the Environment (DFE)
• Waste minimization
• ISO 14000 : eco-labelling
• Life cycle Assessment (including a worked example) (LCA)
• Design for Recovery (Guidelines and principles)
• Dis-assembly (DFdA)
• Remanufacture (DFReman)
• Recycling (DFRecycle)