Ecodesign

Question 1

Defenition

Answer 1

Ecodesign = the integration on env aspects into product design with the aim of improvising the environmental performance of the product throughout its whole life cycle

Question 2

Driving forces for ecodesign

Answer 2

Potential to save a lot of money and resources with less energy and material use

1. Market opportunity = money
   - consumer requirement
   - reduced costs - uses less resources
2. Concern for the environment
   - Ethics
   - Health effect in future
3. Legal requirements
   - Ecodesign directives
   - Legislation increases

Question 3

Ex ecodesign legislations

Answer 3

REACH, WEEE, RoHS

Question 4

8 steps to improve

Answer 4

1. Optimize the function
2. Reduce impact during use
3. Reduce the amount of materials used
4. Select optimal materials
5. Optimize lifespan
6. Optimize production
7. Optimize waste treatment
8. Optimize distribution

Question 5

Describe how to do ecodesign with LCA

Answer 5

Interpret ecodesign early and in all steps of LCA

1. Goal and scope
2. Inventory analysis
3. Impact assessment
4. Interpretation
5. The goal and scope of an LCA can help to identify the aim and the function of design, and have as a goal to improve.
6. The inventory analysis can be used to identify the main emissions and resource usage and adopt the design accordingly, for the least impact.
7. LCIA identifies the most adverse effects and significance so that managers know what to focus on mitigating in the design process. It is great for communicating the products life cycle.
8. The interpretation can communicate to designers how to improve the design, or to consumers how to use it most efficiently.