SUSTAINABLE
PRODUCTION
IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
8
SUSTAINABILITY
Edited by Jolan Martinez
8.1
Sustainable development
Featured Designer
Sustainable development
8.1
Q: What are the benefits of a company holding themselves to these standards?
Designers utilize design approaches that support sustainable development across a variety of contexts. A holistic and systematic approach is needed at all stages of design development to satisfy all stakeholders. In order to develop sustainable products, designers must balance aesthetic, cost, social, cultural, energy, material, health and usability considerations. |
The common wisdom would be that it costs businesses more to be sustainable. However by using resources smartly, and redesigning production, it might be possible to make the same or more profit, while being kinder to the environment and workers. Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: One way for companies to improve sustainability, is to adopt a triple bottom line strategy. This challenges businesses to not only focus on sustainable economic (profit) growth, but also environmental (planet) and social (people) responsibility. This framework allows three clear targets for companies to measure themselves against. Let's look at this introduction from the Harvard Business School. Things to assess under the triple bottom line sustainability approach might be… ECONOMIC
ENVIRONMENTAL
SOCIAL
|
8.1
Sustainable development
Decoupling:
Common sense would say that as our business grows bigger, our environmental impact will grow with it at a similar rate. The more we make, the more we use, and the more pollution we create. Decoupling is a concept that aims to stop this from happening. Decoupling is…
“Disconnecting economic growth and environmental impact so that one no
longer depends on the other”.
With careful use of resources, recycling, and smarter production, we can still grow, but use less. The example shows before and after decoupling, focusing on resource use (resource decoupling). Another form is environmental impact decoupling.
Benefits of decoupling
Conserves resources.
Lower environmental impact.
Q: Watch this video for further information.
BEFORE DECOUPLING
AFTER DECOUPLING
GDP - Economic activity
Environmental/resource impact
8.1
Sustainable development
Sustainability laws
One way to ensure companies develop in a sustainable way is the use of international and national laws. While ideally companies will hold themselves accountable for their development, for example by using the triple bottom line, they often don't. In this case, laws ensure sustainability.
These laws can be national , such as the these laws in Japan.
Or they can be international, such as the Kyoto protocol. These tend to be agreements that countries sign up to.
Failure to abide by laws can lead to fines (most likely), other sanctions, and even jail time.
Sustainability reporting
Companies can choose to publish the results of their own assessment on how well they are doing in terms of sustainability.
Their report can focus on environmental, social, and economic factors. Here is a report conducted by Freitag.
Q: What positive things have Freitag done, as presented in the sustainability report?
Q: Search for a company that broke laws on sustainability. What was the punishment?
8.1
Sustainable development
Product stewardship
A steward is a person who looks after something. Product stewardship is…
“Everyone involved in making, selling, buying or handling products takes responsibility for minimizing environmental impact of the equipment at all stages in the life cycle”.
This concept aims to reduce waste and pollution for everyone involved in a products life cycle, taking resposnsibility for its impact, and changing how they do things to minimise it..
LINKS
TBA
Q: Think of one way for each of ther stages above, that a steward could reduce impact.
8.2
Sustainable consumption
Featured Designer
Sustainable consumption
Designers develop products, services and systems that satisfy basic needs and improve quality of life. To meet sustainable consumption requirements, they must also minimize the use of natural resources, toxic materials and waste, and reduce emissions of pollutants at all stages of the life cycle.
8.2
Q: Find and present a real world example of one of the consumer attitudes above.
|
For a product to be sustainable, we have to not only consider its manufacture, but its use. Sustainable consumption asks to consider how much we use, how we use it, and how we dispose of, in order to reduce the impact of our consumption. The people responsible for product use (or its consumption), are the consumers themselves. Therefore the attitudes of the consumers are very important to ensure sustainability over the product lifespan. Some of the stronger attitudes associated with consumers are… Eco-warriors - Users that demonstrate, protest, and actively battle for the environment. Eco-champions - Try to promote eco friendly behaviour within an organisation. Eco-fans - Individuals that enthusiastically adopt eco friendly options. Eco-phobes -Individuals that resent the idea of eco friendly products and services. Designers and manufacturers play a huge part in shaping the attitudes of the consumer. They need to creating a market where sustainable products are wanted. This can be done by Pricing considerations - Pricing green products so they are an attractive alternative. Stimulating demand for green products - Potentially with marketing. Production of green products - Actually creating new or replacement green products to buy. |
8.2
Sustainable consumption
Eco-labelling
Eco labeling is a way for manufacturers to let the consumer know that a product meets particular environmental standards. This then helps consumers to buy products that are in line with their values. This is one way to reach the eco-fans mentioned on the previous page. More information here.
Energy labelling schemes
A labelling system also exists for devices that use energy, such as TVs. It helps users choose efficient devices. These labels often include:
The energy use, for example in kWh.
An overall efficiency rating on a scale.
Information about the device itself.
The label above is for a television. As you can see, it scores low!
Q: What does a manufacturer need to do to be allowed to use the FSC eco label?
Q: Find a label for a product
Pressure groups
Groups of consumers with similar views will often band together in order to put pressure on a manufacturer or government to take action on a particular issue. It could be environmental, or consumer. This is called a pressure group. A good example of a pressure group can be seen here. Pressure groups might organise…
Lobbying - putting pressure on politicians to make changes to policy and law.
Boycotts - Organising people together in refusing to buy a certain product.
Legal challenge - Raising the money to make challenges in court.
One tool that is being used more to spread the groups message is social media.
8.2
Sustainable consumption
Lifestyle and ethical consumerism
We can break down consumers into two extremes. First is
“A social and economic order and ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever greater amounts”.
This type of consumer builds their life around buying more and more. Buying becomes a way of life. There is no real care for the impact of that consumption.
“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”.
This type of consumer understands unchecked consumption is bad for the environment, and tries to control their consumption to lessen their impact.
Advantages | Disadvantages | ||
Can push forward change and innovation that otherwise wouldn't happen. | They can slow down the progress of developments they disagree with.. | ||
Can lead to positive changes in the law for environment, social, and consumer rights. | Demanded changes can be costly for the manufacturer. | ||
Can force manufacturers to move away from unsustainable or harmful practice | Changes forced by pressure groups could drive up the cost of products for other consumers. |
Q: Which camp do you fall in? If in between, which are you close to?
8.2
Sustainable consumption
Take-back legislation
Some countries have laws that compel manufacturers to have systems in place to take back products back at the end of their life for recycling, refurbishing, or proper disposal. Some companies do it as part of their commitment to the environment. Some methods used might be a trade in system such as Apple. Samsung have over 300 sites is the USA that you can drop off your old products. The impact this legislation has is and follows.
LINKS
TBA
Q: —
Designers | Manufacturers | Consumers | ||
Requires design for disassembly | They need to develop the network and systems to take back. | They have the responsibility to actually return the product. Takes effort. | ||
Requires use of recyclable materials | Take Back schemes can be costly to do. | The cost of take back systems might be passed on through higher product prices. | ||
8.3
Sustainable design
Featured Designer
Sustainable design
The first step to sustainable design is to consider a product, service or system in relation to eco-design and analyse its impact using life cycle analysis. The designer then develops these to minimize environmental impacts identified from this analysis. Considering sustainability from the beginning of the process is essential.
8.3
Q: Can we find an example of a product and manafactier that has designed sustainability?
Green design versus sustainable design We have looked at Green Design and Eco-Design. Another term you may hear is Sustainable Design. How is this different to Green or Eco design? The difference is… Sustainable design takes into account more than just the environment. It shares the same criteria of the triple bottom line for a more complete approach to sustainability. When designing a product, the approach you take will have a significant effect on the timescale of getting a product to market. Sustainable design will of course take longer, as in addition to environmental concerns, the manufacturers need to research, trial and implement thier approaches to social and economic sustainability. |
Designing physical objects and services in accordance with the principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability
Sustainable Design
Designs that work to minimise the environmental impact in the short term
Green Design
8.3
Sustainable design
Datschefski’s five principles of sustainable design:
Edwin Datschefski worked in aerospace before joining the Environmental Council. He presented five principles that should be followed to ensure a sustainable design.
Cyclic - Using recycled or grown materials that can be used again and again in a cyclic fashion.
Solar - The energy used should be renewable (such as solar).
Safe - Releases into the environment + materials are not hazardous to health eg. Non toxic.
Efficient - The least amount of energy and material possible is used.
Social - Good for both workers, and consumers (Eg fair pay, safe working conditions).
LINKS
TBA
Q: Watch a little more about the principles here.
8.4
Sustainable innovation
Featured Designer
Sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation yields both bottom line and top line returns as developing products, services and systems that are environmentally friendly lowers costs through reducing the resources required. Designers should view compliance with government legislation as an opportunity for sustainable innovation.
8.4
Q: What approach does our school take to reducing our impact on the environment.
Complexity and timescale of sustainable innovation Implementing a sustainable approach is complex. It involves many stakeholders over the life cycle of the product. It is affected by government policy and laws. It requires investment. For this reason, the timeframe for implementing a sustainable approach can reach into the decades. For companies wishing to do so, there are a couple of approaches that can be taken. Top down and bottom up. Top-down and Bottom-up strategies We have heard the phrases top down and bottom up in topic 3. They also apply to sustainability. Here is the difference between the two approaches . |
leadership will determine the overall goals, but the workforce will assist in developing the mechanisms and ideas to meet that goal.
Bottom Up
The leadership level will determine the goals and how each department and/or individual employees will contribute to meet those goals.
Top Down
Example- Employer asks employees how they might be more green. They group together and decide to take the bus to work instead of drive.
Example-An employer bans employees from driving to work, and instead subsides public transport.
Pros-Employees more invested in the idea.
Cons- Potentially slower to implement.
Pros- Easier to coordinate and implement.
Cons- Less buy in from employees.
8.4
Sustainable innovation
Q: What the pros and cons for each?
Government intervention in innovation When companies fail to work towards sustainability, the government will often step in to force them to with interventions. They might be… Regulation/Legislation Rules and laws on sustainability that limit and control what a company can or can’t do. Example: Laws on how waste is to be disposed of. Education Helping both companies and consumers know how to be more sustainable. Example: The Eco labels we looked at in 8.2. Taxes The government place higher taxes on companies who don’t meet the sustainability standards. Example: Companies who don’t make factories energy efficient taxed higher. Subsidies The government offers money to companies who meet sustainability criteria. Example: A cash boost for companies who move towards using electric vehicles. |
8.4
Sustainable innovation
Q: What are the pros and cons for each approach?
Energy is a major factor in sustainability. The two main approaches to this are… Macro energy sustainability Macro energy sustainability can be achieved through countries working together to form treaties, defining targets for sustainable energy production. Issues can arise however, when governments change. New governments can decide to leave treaties, such as the USA opting out of the Paris agreements (link to BBC article on this). Micro energy sustainability Micro energy sustainability can be encouraged by government through education. This education can raise awareness and change attitudes. This can cause individuals and small business to take action towards energy sustainability themselves. |
Micro energy sustainability involves small scale energy generation
Micro Energy
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.
Macro Energy
8.4
Sustainable innovation
LINKS
TBA
Q: Are there any other factors that threaten energy security.
Energy security One aspect of energy sustainability, is making sure you have a sustainable supply that doesn’t run out. This is called energy security. Energy security can be strengthened or threatened by… Energy demand - How much energy is actually needed. For example, during summer months the energy needed will be higher as people begin to use aircon. Supply trends and forecasting - Estimating how much power you will need in the future. Demand response versus energy efficiency. Demand response asks consumers to reduce their use at certain peak times of use. Energy efficiency is a constant effort not tied to a particular period. Smart grids- Energy networks that monitor use in real time, enabling detection of increased needs in terms of supply. |
8
GLOSSARY
TOPIC 8 GLOSSARY
TERM | DEFINITION |
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, a bottom up strategy 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. |
Datschefski’s five principles of sustainable design | Five principles that facilitate a holistic approach to sustainable design: Cyclic; Solar; Safe; Efficient; Social. |
Decoupling | Disconnecting two trends so that one no longer depends on the other. Through the act of decoupling (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. |
Eco-champion | Individuals or groups that champion environmental issues within organizations. |
Eco-fan | Individuals or groups that enthusiastically adopt environmentally friendly practices as consumers. |
Eco-labelling | The labelling of products to demonstrate that they are better for the environment than other products. |
Eco-phobe | Individuals or groups that actively resent talk of environmental protection. |
Eco-warrior | Individuals or groups that actively demonstrate on environmental issues. |
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. |
Energy security | The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. |
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. |
Lifestyle consumerism | A social and economic order and ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever greater amounts. |
Macro energy sustainability | 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. |
Micro energy | Micro energy sustainability involves small scale energy generation |
TOPIC 8 GLOSSARY
TERM | DEFINITION |
Sustainability | 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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Sustainability reporting | A company report that focusses on four aspects of performance: Economic; Environmental; Social; and Governance. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Top-down strategies | At its most basic, this is the breaking down of a system into component parts. From a corporate strategy perspective, a top-down strategy means that the leadership level will determine the goals and how each department and/or individual employees will contribute to meet those goals. |
Triple bottom line sustainability | An expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational success: economic, environmental and social. |