Sustainable Engineering Design (CSWA-SD) Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to sustainable engineering design concepts for exam preparation.

Sustainable Design

Design practices that seek to minimize environmental impact and promote resource conservation.

End of Life

The final stage in a product's lifecycle, where it is no longer usable and must be disposed of or recycled.

Raw Materials Extraction

The process of obtaining natural resources from the environment for manufacturing.

Material Processing

The transformation of raw materials into usable forms for production.

Manufacturing

The process of converting materials into finished goods.

Assembly

The act of putting together individual components to create a final product.

Personal Interest

A motivation for individuals in the field of sustainable design to improve the world using their skills.

Professional Growth

The development and advancement of one's career in sustainable design and engineering.

Company Intent

The goals and initiatives of a company to implement sustainable practices.

Industry Regulations

Laws and standards that govern the environmental impact of products and materials.

Sustainability

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Social Equity

The fair treatment and equal distribution of resources and opportunities among all individuals.

Environmental Indicators

Metrics used to assess the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle.

Triple Bottom Line

A framework for measuring a company's commitment to social, environmental, and economic responsibilities.

Product Stewardship

An approach that holds all parties involved in a product's lifecycle responsible for minimizing its environmental impact.

Cradle to Cradle

A sustainable approach where products are designed to be fully reclaimed or recycled after use.

Biomimicry

Designing products based on the strategies and principles found in nature.

Green Chemistry

The design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances.

Green Marketing

Promoting products based on their environmental benefits.

Design for Disassembly (DfD)

Designing products in a way that allows for easy disassembly for reuse or recycling.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

A systematic approach to assessing the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's lifecycle.

Impack Categories

Groupings of environmental impacts such as climate change, air quality, and human health.

Scope

The boundaries and depth of assessment in the life cycle analysis of a product.

Metrics

Quantifiable measures used to assess the sustainability of a product.

Eco-design

Design that considers environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle.

Functional Unit

A quantification of the function of a product, used for comparing different options.

Parametric Optimization

Incremental improvements made to reduce the environmental impact of a product.

Energy Efficiency

Using less energy to perform the same task, minimizing energy waste.

Sourcing Locally

Obtaining materials or production from nearby resources to reduce transportation impacts.

Light-weighting

Reducing the weight of a product to decrease material use and improve efficiency.

Waste Reduction

The practice of minimizing waste during the production process and product lifecycle.

Quality of Life

The general well-being of individuals and societies, influenced by environmental and social factors.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can harm humans or the environment.

Recyclability

The ability of a product or material to be repurposed or reused after its initial lifecycle.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups with an interest in the outcomes of a product’s lifecycle impacts.

Environmental Impact

Effect of a product's lifecycle on the natural environment.

Compliance

Meeting regulatory requirements or standards related to environmental practices.

Sustainable Products

Products designed with minimal environmental impact and using sustainable materials.

Innovation

The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products in design to enhance sustainability.

Lifecycle Stages

The phases a product goes through, from raw material extraction to disposal.

Ecodesign Strategies

Strategies aimed at minimizing negative environmental impacts throughout a product's lifecycle.

Stakeholder Engagement

Involving various participants in discussions and decisions about sustainability practices.

Market Positioning

Strategically determining how a product fits within the competitive marketplace.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The practice of companies taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment.

Regulatory Considerations

Legal requirements that influence the design and manufacturing of sustainable products.

Impact Assessment

The evaluation of the potential effects of a project or product on the environment.

System Boundaries

The limits set for a life cycle assessment to define what is included in the study.

Comparative Analysis

Evaluating and contrasting different designs or materials to determine which is more sustainable.