Ecodesign

I recently read an article about ecodesign, which is designing with concern for environmental impact within the span of the products usage and disposal. It is also called sustainable design. With global warming and environmental issues being pushed to the forefront as of recent, eco design has become even more of a presence within the design world. Ecodesign is a reaction to global environmental crisis, the rapid growth of economic activity and human population, depletion of natural resources, damage to ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. Designers are making products, and architecture more environmentally friendly. Ecodesign can range from totes made out of recycled goods to a solar powered buildings or city planning. Ecodesign can also be applied to the fields of architecture, urban planning, engineering, and fashion design.

The three most important things to consider for ecodesign is 1) consumption of resources (energy, materials, water or land area) 2) emissions of air, water and the ground in relation to humans and the environment 3) miscellaneous concerns such as noise and vibration. The life cycle of a product is divided into procurement, manufacture, use and disposal. Designers should use low-impact materials, keep in mind energy efficiency, quality and durability, design for reuse and recyclability, renewability.