This brief textbook underpins the concept of eco-efficiency in product design and systematically addresses the essence of the integration of simplified life cycle assessment (LCA) methods and tools into industrial design. Fundamental steps of LCA-based tools implementation within the higher education context are proposed, using energy-related products (ErP) design as a prime case study. All chapters are designed to respond to the common frequently asked questions in LCA-based tools implementation during the sustainable product design process. The chapters are also enriched with discussions, data sources of simplified LCA tools, and examples of design assignments that provide constructive learning. Some assignments aim at encouraging tool users’ reflections while others tackle particularly at knowledge exchange. The examples can assist the reader to visualize challenges and opportunities to engage learners who are tool users. This textbook broadens LCA knowledge for industrial design and environmental engineering students as well as enhance their sustainable product design performance. For professional practitioners including industrial designers, product engineers, entrepreneurs and the like, this textbook can be used as a guide at the introductory level for integrating life cycle thinking into product design and development.
Author(s): Suphichaya Suppipat, Treechada Chotiratanapinun, Kulthida Teachavorasinskun, Allen H. Hu
Series: SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 92
City: Cham
Acknowledgements
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Sustainable Consumption and Production
1.1.1 Energy-related Products
1.1.2 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
1.1.3 Restriction of Hazardous Substances
1.2 Eco-efficiency and Sustainable Innovation
1.3 Sustainable Design and LCA
References
2 Designer’s Guide for Life Cycle Assessment
2.1 What Is the Product Life Cycle?
2.2 LCA Framework
2.2.1 Goal and Scope Definition and How to Define a Functional Unit?
2.2.2 Inventory Analysis and How to Create Inventory Data?
2.2.3 Impact Assessment and How to Indicate Environmental Impacts?
2.2.4 Interpretation and How to Interpret the Result?
References
3 LCA-based Design Strategies and Simplified LCA Tools for Designers
3.1 Prescriptive and Qualitative Approach Tools
3.1.1 LiDS Wheel
3.1.1.1 Product System Level
3.1.1.2 Product Structure Level
3.1.2 Ten Golden Rules
3.2 Comparative and Semi-quantitative Approach Tools
3.2.1 MET Matrix
3.2.2 Ecodesign Pilot
3.3 Analytical and Quantitative Approach Tools
3.3.1 Eco-indicator 99
3.3.2 ECO-it
References
4 Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing Simplified LCA Tools in Industrial Design Education
4.1 Challenges
4.2 Opportunities
References
5 Social Aspect of Sustainability in the LCA Methodology
5.1 More Holistic Approach to LCT
5.2 How to Put People Back in the LCT Process
5.2.1 What Is S-LCA?
5.2.2 Timeline of S-LCA
5.2.3 S-LCA Framework
5.2.4 Challenges of S-LCA
5.3 Implementation of a More Holistic Approach to LCT in the Design Curriculum
References
6 LCA-based Tool Practice: Seven Steps for ErP Design Implementation
6.1 Define a Functional Unit
6.2 Scope a Product System
6.3 Investigate an Inventory Data
6.4 Draw a Process Tree
6.5 Analyze the Environmental and Social Aspects
6.6 Define the Environmental and Social Hotspots
6.7 Propose a New Concept Development
References
7 Summary
