Topic 2: Resource management and sustainable production
Essential idea: Waste mitigation strategies can reduce or eliminate the volume of material
disposed to landfill.
2.2: Waste mitigation strategies:
Nature of design:
The plenty of resources and raw materials in the industrial age led to the development of
throwaway society, and as resources run out, the many facets of sustainability become a
more important focus for designers. The result of the throwaway society is large amounts
of materials found in landfill.
Concept and principles:
• Re-use
• Recycle
• Repair
• Recondition
• Re-engineer
• Pollution/waste
• Methodologies for waste reduction and designing out waste
• Dematerialization, reduce using materials
• Product recovery strategies at end of life/ disposal
• Circular economy—the use of waste as a resource within a closed loop system
1
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Guidance:
• Use and recovery of standard parts at the end of product life
• Recovery of raw materials
• Reduction of total material and energy throughput of a product or service, and the
limitation of its environmental impact through: reduction of raw materials at the
production stage; energy and material inputs at the user stage; waste at the disposal stage
• How dematerialization can improve product efficiency by saving, reusing or recycling
materials and components
• The impacts of dematerialization on each stage of the product life cycle including:
material extraction; eco-design; cleaner production; environmentally conscious
consumption patterns; recycling of waste
• Potential results of successful dematerialization
2
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Green design involves taking a ‘cradle to the grave’ approach to the design of a product by
considering the adverse impacts of the product at all stages of its life (pre-production,
production, distribution, including packaging, utilization and disposal) and seeking to
minimize those impacts.
Strategies for green design include designing products so that they can be repaired, reused
or recycled. Life cycle analysis offers a framework for evaluating the environmental impact
of a product at all stages of its life cycle.
Define green design
Designing in a way that takes account of the environmental impact of the product
throughout its life
Examples:
- To choose non-toxic, sustainable-produced or recycled materials which don't need as
much energy to process
- To manufacture and produce products using less energy
- To produce products that are long lasting and better functioning so there is less
replacement and use of products
- Design products using the concept of being able to recycle it when its use is done
Define renewable resources
Resources that are naturally refilled in a short time
Define non- renewable resources
A natural resource that cannot be re-made or re-grown as it does not naturally re-form at
a rate that makes its use sustainable, for example, coal, petroleum and natural gas.
3
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Outline the reasons for green design.
Consider:
1. Consumer pressure:
public have become aware of environmental issues through media focus on issues
such as the destructive effect of chlorofluorocarbons on the ozone layer; acid rain in
Northern European forests and the nuclear accident at Chernobyl.
reness has put pressure on corporations and governments through
purchasing power and voting power.
2. Legislations:
anies who do not demonstrate
environmental responsibility.
—legislation forces the
issue.
of, this means that on disposal the material can be recycled.
List design objectives for green products.
Objectives include:
1. Increasing efficiency in the use of materials, energy and other resources.
2. Minimizing damage or pollution from the chosen materials.
3. Reducing to a minimum any long-term harm caused by use of the product.
4. Ensuring that the planned life of the product is most appropriate in environmental
terms and that the product functions efficiently for its full life.
5. Taking full account of the effects of the end disposal of the product.
6. Ensuring that the packaging and instruction encourage efficient and environmentally
friendly.
7. Minimizing nuisances (pains) such as noise or smell.
8. Analyzing and minimizing potential safety hazards.
4
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Question
Explain how constructive discontent contributes to greening of consumer products.
Constructive discontent can contribute to the greening of consumer products by analyzing
the product, identifying a way in which a product could be made greener and then working
out a strategy for making it greener. This may relate to the efficiency of use of materials,
energy or other resources in the manufacture of the product, designing safer products, or
minimizing nuisances such as noise or smell.
Discuss the impact of “take back” legislation on designers and manufacturers of cars,
refrigerators and washing machines.
oducts when they become obsolete
(outdated). Take back legislation is the legislation that holds manufacturers responsible for
the environmentally safe recycling or disposal of their end-of-life product.
physical plan to ensure that such
products are collected and processed.
Special care has to be taken with the choice of materials, costs, parts…in order to
optimize the collection and recycling.
will contribute in minimizing the environmental damage.
5
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Define life cycle analysis
The assessment of the effect a product has on the environment from the initial concept to
disposal.
6
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Identify the roles and responsibilities of the designer, manufacturer and user at each life
cycle stage of a product.
1. Designer:
able materials especially for non-standard parts.
2. Manufacturers:
3. User:
7
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Clean technology is a method of manufacturing or production which uses fewer resources
(particularly non-renewable), uses less energy in the process of manufacturing, and
produces less wastage and pollution. The approach to manufacturing needs to be
competitive with existing methods for it to be feasible for industries to adopt.
Clean technologies have emerged as a result of greater pressure for environmental
protection and are supported by legislative frameworks.
Explain why the introduction of mass production increased damage to the natural
environment.
A historical perspective is important.
Environmental considerations were not an issue in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Little quantitative data was available, and all governments encouraged the growth of
industry.
Outline the reasons for cleaning up manufacturing.
Reasons include:
1. Promoting positive impacts.
2. Ensuring neutral impact or minimizing negative impacts through conserving natural
resources.
3. Reducing pollution and use of energy.
4. Reducing wastage of energy and resources.
Outline that an initial response to reducing emission of pollutants is adding clean-up
technologies to the end of the manufacturing process.
The addition to clean-up technologies to the end of the manufacturing process is termed
the "end of-pipe" approach that aims to reduce pollution. More radical approaches
require a rethink of the whole system and may result in significant product and/or process
modification, or radically new technologies. For example, the development of renewable
energy-based power generation equipment, and using clean technologies.
Clean technology began as a result of greater pressure for environmental protection. It is
an approach to manufacturing or production which uses less resources and causes less
environmental damage by reducing the exploitation of natural resources, minimizing
waste and preventing pollution, than an alternative means with which it is economically
competitive.
8
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Explain how legislation provides an impetus to manufacturers to clean up manufacturing
processes.
Many people will not behave responsible towards the environment unless forced to do so.
Legislation forces the issue by imposing financial penalties on manufacturers who cause
environmental pollution.
Questions
1. The most obvious initial response a company can make to reduce its emission of
atmospheric pollutants is to:
A. Minimize waste
B. Use renewable energy
C. Conserve natural resources
D. Apply an end-of-pipe approach
2. Clean technology legislation can be policed by monitoring through:
A. Data from user research
B. Data from user trials
C. Qualitative data from surveys around a manufacturing plant
D. Quantitative data from surveys around a manufacturing plant
3. Which describe a company that voluntarily modifies its entire manufacturing process to
adopt clean technologies?
A. Reactive-Incremental
B. Proactive-Radical
C. Reactive-Radical
D. Proactive-Incremental
9
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
4. Financial benefits for the proactive adoption of an environmental policy by a
manufacturer are least likely to be achieved through:
A. Avoidance of fines
B. Reduced energy utilization
C. Use of recycled materials
D. More efficient use of raw material
5. Outline one difference between an initial and a radical approach towards clean
manufacturing.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
10
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Explain that life cycle analysis is targeted at particular product categories.
global marketplace.
is then impossible for companies to argue that their products are being made
uncompetitive.
Explain why life cycle analysis is not widely used in practice.
Life cycle analysis is not used for many products. However, in the re-innovation of the
design of a product or its manufacture, specific aspects may be changed after considering
the design objectives for green products. Thus the materials selected may be changed to
make them more environmentally friendly, for example, wood from sustainable forests or
the selection of a less toxic varnish. A product may be distributed differently or its
packaging may be redesigned.
Describe the reasons for the introduction of eco-labeling schemes.
Eco-labeling: It is a voluntary scheme designed to encourage businesses to market
products and services that are kinder to the environment, it makes it easier for consumers
to choose green products. This label means that the product in question is very
environmentally friendly
Reasons for their introduction include:
1. It indicates that the impact of the product on the environment throughout its life
(Cradle to Grave: preproduction, production, distribution, utilization, disposal) has been
considered.
2. Reduced energy consumption during production.
3. Reduced energy consumption during utilization.
4. Reduced packaging.
5. Ease of disassembly.
6. Parts can be reused\ recycled when it becomes obsolete.
7. Carries information about the materials so consumer knows how to deal with the
material on disposal.
11
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Energy-labeling: a labeling system to electrical appliances that indicates the energy
consumption of a product during a period of time. They are required by low in many
countries.
Reasons for use include:
1. They indicate energy consumption of a product during utilization of the product.
2. Owners can estimate running costs over period of time.
3. They enable comparison of energy consumption with other products to decide which
one to buy.
4. Provide an intensive for manufactures to improve the energy performance for their
appliances.
Note: Energy labeling doesn’t indicate energy used through production, or show the
environmental impact of packaging, distribution and disposal, so eco-labeling schemes are
more useful and helpful than energy-labeling schemes
Explain how eco-labeling reflects life cycle analysis of certain product categories.
Eco-label is only awarded to goods and services which meet strict criteria restricting
consumer products on the environment.
Eco labeling is to certify that a product is environmental friendly, and it shows that a
product would less negative impact on the environment, when getting rid of it. It has to be
certified by a non-biased organization. As a result of that the life cycle of it would be
different in a way that the end life would recycling and during the process of recycling the
environment won’t be affected negatively.
12
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
The designer’s main objective is to design a product within given constraints (financial and
specifications). Due to the high percentage of the product cost it is important that
consideration be given in the design brief and thus being a major design constraint. When
DfM (Design for Manufacture) the designers takes into consideration the existing
production systems in order to maximize cost effectiveness.
Define design for materials.
Designing in relation to materials during processing
Define design for process.
Designing to enable the product to be manufactured using a specific manufacturing
process, for example, injection moulding
Define design for assembly.
Designing taking account of assembly at various levels, for example, component to
component, components into sub-assemblies and sub-assemblies into complete products.
Discuss three strategies that designers could employ for DfM.
Design for materials:
Design in relation to the materials during processing.
It relates to designing the product so that particular materials can be used for manufacture
for example plastics or metals.
The designer tries to use materials with the optimum required properties, but matched to
an existing manufacturing process so does not have to invest in new machinery.
Design for process:
Design products in a way that matches an existing manufacturing process.
It is cheaper to do injection moulding if one is set up for injection moulding already.
The product could be designed so that it appropriately uses the existing skills of the
workforce.
13
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Design for assembly:
Minimizing the number of parts makes products easier to assemble.
Using standard components
Designing parts which are multifunctional or for multi-use.
Designing parts for ease of fabrication – component to component, components into subassemblies, sub-assemblies into products
Designing a product so only correct assembly is possible. This is very useful especially
when semi-skilled labor or user assembly is used.
Describe how designers can modify the environmental impact of the production, use and
disposal of their product through careful consideration at the design stage.
1. During production:
Use clean technologies
Increase the efficiency in the use of energy and materials
Use recycled materials
Design for assembly
2. During distribution and packaging:
Reduce amount of packaging
Use recycled materials for packaging
Minimize weight of packaging
3. During utilization:
Products should be energy efficient
Products should be easy to repair
Use standard parts
4. During disposal:
Use recyclable materials to minimize waste
Label materials properly for easier recycling
Use standard parts to maximize the chance of reuse
Take back legislation
14
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Define reuse.
Reuse of a product in the same context or in a different context.
Define repair.
The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing structure or device
Define reconditioning.
Rebuilding a product so that it is in an “as new” condition, and is generally used in the
context of car engines and tiers
Define recycling.
Recycling refers to using the materials from obsolete products to create other products.
Define reengineer.
Restructure a company or part of its operation.
Describe how reuse, repair, reconditioning and recycling contribute to the optimization
of resource utilization.
Reuse can refer to the reuse of a product in the same context or on different context. For
example, refilling toner cartridges in photocopies and printers, designing computers so
that the central processing unit can be upgraded and using an ice-cream container as a toy
box
Repairing is to renovate by restoring a piece or placing together what is wrecked. An
instance of repairing is replacing a part of a computer that burnt down or became
outdated such as the processer.
Reconditioning as an example is fixing up a car or household to sell to a customer, usually
used for engines.
Recycling consists of processing used materials into novel products; it decreases the
consumption of raw resources, trims down energy usage, lowering air and water pollution
by dropping the need for “usual” waste discarding, and lastly lowering greenhouse gas
emissions. An example of recycling is recycling paper.
15
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Describe how the strategies of reuse, repair, reconditioning and recycling can be applied
to the design of products, including packaging.
1. Reuse:
Use temporary joints
Design a product so it can be easily disassembled to reuse its parts
Use standard parts so they may be reused when the product breaks down.
2. Repair:
Manufacture the product using standard parts so they can be easily replaced
Design the product so it can be easily disassembled for easier repair
Use temporary joints, example: screws instead of rivets, to enable repair.
3. Recycle:
Use recyclable materials.
Label materials properly for easier recycling Design products with parts easily
disassembled, so parts can be recycled.
Design a product so it can be easily disassembled for easier recycling
List three material groups that can be easily and economically recycled.
Consider thermoplastics, metals and glass
Discuss the issues underpinning the economic recycling of materials.
Consider:
1. Collection
2. Energy and processing considerations
3. Redistribution
16
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Define dematerialization:
Dematerialization (economics) - the reduction in the quantity of materials required
to serve economic functions (doing more with less).
Dematerialization (products) - using less or no material to deliver the same level of
functionality.
Describe how dematerialization can improve product efficiency by saving
materials
-
Miniaturization, light weighting, modularity & multi-functionality.
-
Convergence of physical products into on line services (digital photo, video,
computer programs and games on demand, music on line etc.)
-
Broadband enables convergence of space demanding applications into on line
services (i.e. movies)
-
Digitalization of paper products (E-books, E-zines, E-forms)
17
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
Questions
1. Figure 1 below shows plastic pots produced by injection moulding.
(a) Describe how the environmental impact of these pots can be minimized at the
production, distribution and disposal stages of their life cycle.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
18
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016
2. State which of the strategies of reuse, repair or recycle can be applied to the following
products:
(i) Disposable cameras
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(ii) Vacuum cleaners
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(iii) Car tyres
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
19
______________________________________________________________________________
Mashrek International School 2014-2016