An approach to identify the factors that affect a products life time energy consumption during the concept design stage

Abstract

Energy efficiency of products is one area of sustainable development that has gathered increased attention due to the increased cost of energy and the associated environmental footprint. The responsibility to develop more energy efficient products rests largely with designers and manufacturers. The design phase, in particular the conceptual design stage is highlighted as a critical step in determining a product’s environmental impact and related costs. However, the information available is limited and usually of a qualitative nature. This paper presents a novel approach linking qualitative features that a designer uses at the conceptual design stage with quantitative information normally found in the detailed design stage. The correlation shown can be used to develop a framework to aid in calculating the energy consumption, environmental impact and associated costs of a product concept over the entire life cycle.