Eco-design Strategies Research Articles

Reducing Carbon Footprint of Pop-Art Chair Designs By Ecodesign Strategies

Reducing Carbon Footprint of Pop-Art Chair Designs By Ecodesign Strategies

Utilizing life cycle assessment to support the environmentally friendly design of hydrogen generation from magnesium alloys: Offering a second life to waste

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising future energy source, but efficient, eco-friendly production and storage remain challenging. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is crucial for evaluating environmental impacts and guiding eco-design strategies. Among emerging techniques, magnesium hydrolysis for hydrogen production has gained attention. The presented LCA of a patented Mg-alloy with carbon and nickel additives identified nickel as the primary environmental impact contributor. To mitigate this, using ternary phases with minimal nickel content is proposed. Moreover, leveraging magnesium waste presents an opportunity to give alloys a second life, while enhancing the recycling of the resulting product, Mg(OH)2. Although LCA results show that magnesium hydrolysis has a lower environmental impact than steam reforming, further industrial-scale research is needed. This highlights the importance of ongoing investigation and refinement of magnesium hydrolysis as a green energy solution.

Environmental life cycle assessment of reusable launch vehicle fleets: Large climate impact driven by rocket exhaust emissions

After the success of the reusable Falcon 9 rocket, space actors are pursuing competitive space access by developing Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). While this initiative may enhance recycling rates, it may also trigger the Jevons’ paradox as it amplifies the overall environmental footprint due to increased launch frequencies. It is therefore essential to quantify RLVs’ impacts and identify key design drivers to enable efficient design choices while mitigating undesirable environmental effects.Consequently, this article uses a space specific Life Cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the environmental footprint, in terms of climate impact, water depletion and land use, of different RLV fleets designed to serve a forecasted European space market. The results show that the LH2 fleet options have 2–8 times lower carbon footprint when compared to the LCH4 fleet as a result of lower propellant consumption and lack of black carbon emissions, suggesting that the environmental burdens are mostly driven by propellant choice. Moreover, the analysis reveals a potential underestimation of climate impacts in previous LCA’s by 2–3 orders of magnitude due to the absence of high altitude characterisation of rocket exhaust emissions and demised aluminium oxides. This increased forcing could lead to fleet choices surpassing the Earth’s carrying capacity given by its planetary boundaries.The methodology and results within this study can support further integration of launch and reentry emissions within LCA by refining modelling techniques, improving impact characterisation and quantifying uncertainties. These advancements can ultimately enable robust eco-design strategies for launch vehicles.

Participatory ecodesign of crop management based on Life Cycle Assessment: an approach to inform the strategy of a Protected Denomination of Origin. A case study in viticulture

Since the context on environmental issues is challenging, the Cognac protected denomination of origin (PDO) adopted life cycle assessment (LCA) to inform its environmental strategy, initially focusing on vineyard soil management. This study developed a participatory eco-design approach involving stakeholders to inform the PDOs’ strategy for transitioning to less impactful crop management practices. It did this by drawing on literature that emphasises the use of participatory design, serious games, and LCA to foster knowledge sharing, engagement, and sustainability assessment. The approach that was put to the test in the Cognac PDO involved 17 elected officials with varying levels of experience. The participants used the serious game known as Vitigame (a game done for participatory ecodesign in viticulture) to ecodesign a soil management and fertilisation pathway for 2030, with the process guided by the results of the LCA. Exchange dynamics, LCA results, and participant feedback were analysed. The study revealed diverse dynamics and efficient ecodesign strategies among the participant groups, which resulted in a reduction of environmental impacts by up to 51% and raised new questions for the territory. The diversity of participants presented challenges, highlighting the need to improve LCA knowledge sharing. The workshop’s results could inform the PDO’s strategic planning. The interest of this innovative process including a serious game was confirmed, suggesting potential applications to other viticultural PDOs and adaptability to diverse sectors.

Sonocatalysis: Eco-design strategy for developing novel inorganic sonogels for the conservation of stone heritage

Products designed to form continuous inorganic networks from alkoxysilanes frequently include organic solvents because of the necessity to turning the precursors miscible with water and because dilution is required for certain applications. Thus, there is a demand for efficient mixtures employing eco-design strategies. This study explores the feasibility of sonocatalysis to prepare homogeneous mixtures with water to initiate sol-gel reactions and as the dilution agent. The approach allowed to design and prepare viable mixtures with unique tetraethoxysilane(TEOS):H2O ratios (1:4 to 1:32). By managing the ultrasonic irradiation parameters, it was possible to formulate mixtures with high degree of hydrolysis, appropriate condensation ratios, and capable to create sonogel materials containing other desired features for stone conservation. The water content manages the gelling times and gel deposition rates through a dilution effect, which might be useful to minimize undesirable side effects of conservation treatments, such as excessive pore occlusion. For instance, a TEOS:H2O ratio of 1:32 results in a very low gel deposition rate.Furthermore, the applicability and efficacy of successful mixtures was preliminary assessed, and it was demonstrated that the resulting inorganic networks, primarily composed of SiOSi bonds, can enhance the hardness and surface resistance of soft stones. This potential strengthening effect improves gradually with increasing TEOS:H2O ratios. The mixtures deserve further studies aimed at enhancing understanding of their consolidation characteristics.The advances achieved also opens the door for producing innovative dual-role hybrid inorganic-organic sonogels that can be used for materials protection and surface consolidation.

Leading LCA result interpretation towards efficient ecodesign strategies for Power Electronics: the case of DC-DC buck converters

Power Electronics (PE) endorse a critical role for ensuring energy transitions targeting carbon neutrality in 2050. Design strategies based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) have recently been introduced into the PE field to ecodesign Power Electronics Converters (PEC). LCA is a multi-criteria approach aimed at assessing environmental impacts at various stages of the product lifecycle, and its use is widely spread among scientific and ecodesign communities. Nevertheless, interpreting LCA results for PECs is challenging because of the complexity of PE (as systems with multiple subsystems and components) and multicriteria aspects of LCA. Previous research suggests a functional-analysis-based perspective to simplify the lifecycle modeling of electronics and integrate comprehensively LCA outcomes with the Product Development Process (PDP) and ecodesign. Inspired by this original proposition, this study derives a novel framework that dissects and guides the interpretation of LCA results of PECs in order to identify environmental hot spots and establish operational ecodesign strategies. The proposed framework helps to reveal the cause-and-effect relationships between the technical characteristics of hardware solutions and the prospective environmental consequences that may arise to PE designers. A case study of a DC-DC buck converter is presented to debate the effectiveness of this proposed framework in PEC with designers.

Ecodesign Strategies for Packaging: a Simplified Approach to Evaluate Environmental Benefits

The improvement of environmental product performance is an important driver for product development. It is also related to the optimization of product packaging solutions. This paper addresses the question related to packaging eco-design strategies. A simplified approach, based on the Life Cycle Assessment methodology and Material Flow Analysis, is proposed to quickly compare alternative design solutions in terms of environmental impacts. Quantifying impacts and identifying the most significant design parameters for these products can assist industrial companies in avoiding potential impact transfer issues and finding the best solutions for their products. Multiple environmental impact categories and indicators are included to comprehensively consider impacts on the environment, resources, and human health. The proposed approach is applied to the environmental performance evaluation of several alternative design solutions for the packaging of a professional coffee machine. Alternative designs, starting from the selection of appropriate materials to the identification of solutions suitable for the reverse supply chain, will be compared and deeply analysed in environmental terms.

The impact of Eco-Design strategies in improving Industrial Product Lifecycle

The impact of Eco-Design strategies in improving Industrial Product Lifecycle

SPOT: A Strategic Life-Cycle-Assessment-Based Methodology and Tool for Cosmetic Product Eco-Design

The cosmetics industry is facing growing pressure to offer more sustainable products, which can be tackled by applying eco-design. This article aims to present the Sustainable Product Optimization Tool (SPOT) methodology developed by L’Oréal to eco-design its cosmetic products and the strategies adopted for its implementation while presenting the challenges encountered along the way. The SPOT methodology is based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of a finished product and its subsystems (formula, packaging, manufacturing and distribution). Several environmental indicators are assessed, normalized and weighted based on the planetary boundaries concept, and then aggregated into a single footprint. A product sustainability index (a single rating, easy to interpret) is then obtained by merging the environmental product rating derived from the single environmental footprint with the social rating (not covered here). The use of the SPOT method is shown by two case studies. The implementation of SPOT, based on specific strategic and managerial measures (corporate and brand targets, Key Performance Indicators, and financial incentives) is discussed. These measures have enabled L’Oréal to have 97% of their products stated as eco-designed in 2022. SPOT shows how eco-design can be implemented on a large scale without compromising scientific robustness. Eco-design tools must strike the right balance between the complexity of the LCA and the ease of interpretation of the results, and have a robust implementation plan to ensure a successful eco-design strategy.

Towards Sustainable Construction: A Systematic Review of Circular Economy Strategies and Ecodesign in the Built Environment

This review discusses the unsustainable nature of current production and consumption patterns, particularly in the civil construction sector. To address this, the circular economy model has been proposed as a solution, but the impact reduction of circular strategies (CS) is not well understood. Thus, aligning CS with ecodesign can help achieve sustainable development. We conducted a systematic review of studies on CS and ecodesign strategies (ES) in the built environment, which led us to identify 23 essential strategies, including reuse, recycling, design for disassembly, and design for life extension. This article expands on previous research by identifying 51 CS and ES, some of which are interconnected, and adopting one strategy may benefit another. The authors propose a framework based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act concept to support and manage trade-offs when selecting strategies and to facilitate a collaborative decision-making process. The framework can also help manage the effects of using these strategies on circularity and environmental, social, and economic performance, ultimately improving the construction sector’s environmental performance.

Upskilling Future Workers in the Fashion Sector

The European Commission within the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles cited circular business model solutions and ecodesign strategies as paramount for the sustainability of the textile sector. Nevertheless, how can sustainability knowledge be transmitted to the constellation of SMEs? The Eu Act for skills identified a gap between the knowledge currently owned by companies and the skills required for the green transition. The research investigated the possibilities of conducting the upskilling by integrating the Life Cycle Design approach within fashion design education. A toolkit has been developed for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of eco-design strategies in which Life Cycle Assessment analysis has a keyrole. The toolkit validation took place through a set of intensive workshops and a structured course, involving around 400 students at university level. Finally, the brands involved have enthusiastically greeted the effectiveness of students’ outcomes.

Design for adaptability and disassembly: guidelines for building deconstruction

Purpose Design for adaptability and disassembly (DfAD) is an effective method to reduce construction and demolition waste generation, landfill loads and greenhouse gas generation; preserve natural resources; and increase environmental awareness in the construction industry. However, it is an underexplored strategy due to a lack of information about projects and a set of agreed guidelines to guide buildings deconstruction. This study aims to understand how DfAD can support the sector’s transition toward circularity. Design/methodology/approach Through an integrative literature review, this study analyzed the current publications and terminologies used, identified the main themes discussed and described the key criteria for integrating deconstruction in the building design stage. Findings The results showed that the term DfAD encompasses different ecodesign strategies and is concentrated in six major thematic categories (design and construction principles, tools for DfAD, components and connections for DfAD, barriers, drivers and guidelines for DfAD, existing building stock potential and selective deconstruction process). In total, 60 criteria were presented to guide the deconstruction of buildings, emphasizing standardization, modularization and prefabrication of materials and components as fundamental requirements. Originality/value The study highlighted the need to expand the knowledge and training of the design team, establish public policies and tax incentives and develop tools, methods, and circular indicators to enable the implementation of deconstruction strategies for buildings.

Bio-Based Chemicals from Dedicated or Waste Biomasses: Life Cycle Assessment for Evaluating the Impacts on Land

Green chemistry and engineering encourage the usage of renewable sources, in replacement fossil fuels. The sector of bio-based products is one of the most predominant examples of such replacements in different fields. However, the impact of biomasses usage is far from being negligible or net zero. A life cycle perspective is required in order to assess all the different environmental impacts related to biomass exploitation and usage, in particular when dedicated sources are used. This study points out the importance of including the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) early in the design of new bio-based products, to identify the stage of the value chain with the greatest hotspots and set proper eco-design strategies. At the same time, the use of the LCA results may support purchasing activities through comparing products with different burdens. In this manuscript, a focus on land compartment is carried out, given its relevance to the cultivation phase. Five analysis methods are selected for further description. Three are classified as multi-impact approach methodologies (ReCiPe 2016, IMPACT World + and EF 3.0) since they are able to translate mass and energy balances into several impact categories at the same time, not only those on land comparts which are also included. In addition, the LANCA® model and the True pricing method for agri-food products are discussed, underlining the importance of their usage when a detailed review of the impact on soil is necessary (e.g., during an environmental impact assessment). They are compared in this paper, underlining the main differences and potential fields of application.

Life Cycle Assessment as Support Tool for Development of Novel Polyelectrolyte Materials Used for Wastewater Treatment

This life cycle assessment (LCA) study focused on comparing the environmental performances of two types of synthesis strategies for polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated silica particles (organic/inorganic composites). The classic layer-by-layer and the new approach (one-pot coacervate deposition) were the two synthesis routes that were tested for cadmium ions removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption in equilibrium conditions. Data from the laboratory scale experiments for materials synthesis, testing, and regeneration, were then fed into a life cycle assessment study so that the types and values of environmental impacts associated with these processes could be calculated. Additionally, three eco-design strategies based on material substitution were investigated. The results point out that the one-pot coacervate synthesis route has considerably lower environmental impacts than the layer-by-layer technique. From an LCA methodology point of view, it is important to consider material technical performances when defining the functional unit. From a wider perspective, this research is important as it demonstrates the usefulness of LCA and scenario analysis as environmental support tools for material developers because they highlight environmental hotspots and point out the environmental improvement possibilities from the very early stages of material development.

Life Cycle Assessment of Luminescent Solar Concentrators Integrated into a Smart Window

The main goal of this paper is to assess the life cycle environmental impacts of a multifunctional smart window luminescent solar concentrator (SW–LSC) prototype through the application of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies on the topic. The analysis followed a cradle to gate approach, considering the assembly and maintenance phase as well as the end of life, examined separately through a recycling/landfill scenario. A comparison of the impacts of LSC modules with those of some building-integrated photovoltaic technologies was carried out. Results showed that the global warming potential (100 years) for SW–LSC was 5.91 × 103 kg CO2eq and the manufacturing phase had the greatest impact (about 96%). The recycling/landfill scenario results showed the possibility to reduce impacts by an average of 45%. A dominance analysis of SW–LSC components showed that the aluminum frame was the main hotspot (about 60% contribution), followed by the light-shelf (about 19%). Batteries and motors for the shading system were the biggest contributors in the abiotic depletion potential category (36% and 30%, respectively). An alternative scenario, which involved the use of 75% recycled aluminum for the window frame, highlighted the possibility to reduce environmental impacts from 3% to 46%. Finally, the comparison results showed that the LSC modules’ impacts were on average 870% lower than that of various PV technologies when compared on the basis of m2; on the contrary, LSC modules had the highest impacts in all categories (from 200% to 1900%) when compared with other PV technologies on the basis of 1 kWh of energy generated. The results could be used for the definition of eco-design strategies for the examined device, in order to support the scaling-up process and to put “greener” systems onto the market.

Management of Used COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment: A Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review

Using a science mapping approach, we analyzed the exponential increase in the number of scientific documents about the negative environmental impacts produced by waste from personal protective equipment (PPE), especially face masks, used to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission worldwide. Our results revealed that India, China, and Canada are leaders in this research field, which is clearly related to environmental issues, but also the solutions developed from an engineering point of view. Our analysis of the most-relevant documents in the field uncovered the considerable negative effects of PPE waste in aquatic media, its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, effects on wildlife, etc. To reduce the negative environmental impacts of PPE waste, we need to implement innovative ecodesign strategies for their green production, including their re-use as and the use of recycling materials, but also a collaboration with the population to reduce PPE waste at its source. Both action lines could be materialized by establishing a collective, extended producer responsibility system for PPE to ensure their sustainable production and consumption. These well-implemented strategies will contribute to maintaining progress towards achieving sustainable development goals.

Evaluation of the Environmental Benefit of an Eco-design Strategy on the Life Cycle Assessment of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous High-speed Electric Motor

The purpose of this study is to assess the environmental impacts of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous high-speed electric Motor (PMSM) and quantify the environmental savings resulting from the adoption of an eco-design strategy. To this end, a PMSM was identified as a baseline for the study, and a cradle-to-grave environmental life cycle assessment was performed based on primary data. The environmental impacts of the baseline PMSM were compared to those of its lightweighted version, which was obtained by adopting an eco-design strategy focused on aluminum content reduction. Other eco-design strategies were investigated to evaluate additional savings. The results obtained for the baseline PMSM reveal that the procurement and processing of raw materials contribute the most to all impact categories. The results obtained for the lightweighted PMSM reveal that, while reducing the aluminum content does not significantly lower the impacts in any of the most relevant impact categories, reducing the copper content would significantly reduce the use of mineral and metal resources. Lastly, eco-design strategies that focus on permanent magnets would significantly reduce climate change.

Eco-design practice towards sustainable furniture: A Review

Eco-design is a practice that incorporates environmental aspects into all stages of the product development process with the intent to reduce the environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle of a product. This study aims to elaborate on eco-design strategies in the development of sustainable furniture. This paper is based on published research on eco-design, eco-design in furniture, and sustainable furniture. A study of European product policy regarding eco-design is also included. A combination of eco-design qualitative and quantitative tools offers a practical way of eco-design implementation. Ecodesign practice adapted from integrating DfE and LCA is presented. With the presented case study, a more comprehensive design decision can be made if the eco-design approach is used. The environmental aspect of the product may influence how products are designed, selected, and manufactured in comparison to using the traditional design method.

Eco Design Strategies at Indonesian Creative Social Enterprises

Eco Design Strategies at Indonesian Creative Social Enterprises

Life Cycle Assessment in an Ecodesign Process: A Pedagogical Case Study

AbstractTo face environmental requirements in the design area, it is crucial to work on the education of younger generation to sustainable design. But literature shows there is a growing need for both teachers and learners to develop pedagogical support to help the integration of sustainable concerns and tools in the education. This article focuses on Life Cycle Assessment in the scope of an ecodesign process. Through a case study, the aim is to illustrate it with firstly a succinct version of the LCA of an electric kettle and then suggestions of ecodesign strategies based on the outcomes of the LCA.