D&T_Unit2_Revision

Revision On Unit 2 -- Resource Management and Sustainable Production

Renewable resource

A natural resource that can replenish with the passage of time or does not abate at all. Examples include solar, wind, hydro, wave, tidal, thermal, and bio fuels.

Renewability

This term refers to a resource that is inexhaustible and can be replenished quickly enough. For example, hardwood trees take a fair bit of time to mature and are considered non-renewable, while softwoods mature more quickly and are considered renewable.

Non-renewable resources

A natural resource that does not replenish at a sustainable rate and will run out if the rate of extraction is maintained. Examples include fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal, gasohol, and nuclear energy.

Reserves

A natural resource that has been identified in terms of quantity and quality. Proven reserves are those resources that can be economically and technically extracted, even though they may not be viable at the moment.

Re-use

This is reusing a product in the same context or in a different context. It involves utilizing an object more than one time, either for a similar purpose or for an innovative purpose.

Recycle

Recycling refers to using the materials from obsolete products to create other products. It involves processing used materials into novel products to reduce the consumption of raw resources and energy usage, as well as lower air and water pollution.

Repair

The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing structure or device.

Recondition

Reconditioning is rebuilding a product so that it is in an "as new" condition, by repairing it, cleaning it, or replacing parts. This is often done with car engines, tires, or refurbished electronics.

Re-engineer

A re-engineered product has been significantly redesigned, with improved engineering, from its original form. This may involve using raw materials from another product or manufacturing process, using environmentally friendly materials, recycling some of the original components, or improving performance.

Dematerialization

The reduction of total material and energy throughput of any product and service. It involves improving product efficiency by saving, reusing, or recycling materials, components, and products at every stage of the product life cycle.

Product Recovery Strategies at End of Life/Disposal

The processes of separating the component parts of a product to recover the parts and materials, including the use and recovery of standard parts at the end of product life and the recovery of raw materials.

Circular Economy

An economic model in which resources remain in use for as long as possible, maximum value is extracted while in use, and products and materials are recovered and regenerated at the end of the product life cycle. It requires designers to consider the subsequent use of materials, components, and embedded/embodied energy in a product.

Cradle-to-cradle

Design thinking that considers the entire design and manufacturing process, with a focus on creating products that can be made again.

Design for disassembly

Design approach that allows for the recovery of materials and components from a product.

Biomimicry

Design inspired by nature, favoring diversity and minimizing waste.

Smart (shape) memory screws

Innovative design technique using screws that can change shape.

Dissolvable circuit boards

Design technique using circuit boards that can dissolve.

Adhesives (glue)

Design technique using adhesives instead of screws or clips.

Clips

Design technique using clips instead of adhesives or screws.

Bioplastics

Biological materials, such as biodegradable plastics, that can be safely returned to the biosphere.

Systems

Consideration of how materials or components will be recovered and reused in the product's lifecycle.

Leasing

Business model where users lease products for performance instead of purchasing them.

Reverse supply chains

Job opportunities and design challenges related to the recovery and reuse of products.

Splosh

A company that offers a one-off starter kit for cleaning products, reducing packaging waste and energy.

National and international grid systems

Electrical supply distribution networks that can be national or international.

Energy distribution

The method of transporting energy from a source to where it is used.

Aswan Dam

A dam in Egypt that produces enough electricity to be sold to Sudan.

Centralized grid system

A grid system where power is distributed centrally.

Local Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

A system that generates heat and electricity simultaneously, reducing negative environmental impact and saving money.

Individual energy generation

Small-scale generation of heat and electricity by individuals or small communities.

Quantification of carbon emissions

Numerically defining the carbon emissions generated by a product.

Mitigation of carbon emissions

Human intervention to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming.

Energy storage

The method of storing energy for later use, such as through batteries or capacitors.

Battery

A device that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy.

Capacitor

An electronic component that temporarily stores electrical energy.

Capacity

The amount of electric charge a battery can deliver.

Clean technology

Technologies in various industries that are more energy-efficient and less reliant on polluting technologies.

End-of-pipe technologies

Technologies used to reduce pollutants and waste at the end of a production process.

Incremental solutions

Products that are improved over time, leading to new versions and generations.

Radical solutions

Completely new products or solutions that address a problem in a different way.

System level solutions

Solutions implemented to address the entire system, rather than just components.

Carbon capture

Technology used to capture and store carbon emissions.

Clean technology

Products, services or processes that reduce waste and require the minimum amount of non-renewable resources.

Green design - Cradle to the Grave

Designing products to have a reduced environmental impact throughout its life, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposal.

Consumer pressure

Collections of individuals who hold a similar viewpoint on a particular topic, such as the environment, and take action to promote positive change.

Legislation

Laws considered collectively to address a certain topic, such as environmental issues.

Catalytic Converter in Cars

Laws and regulations based on conservation and sustainability principles, followed by designers and manufacturers when creating green products.

Incremental

Products that are improved and developed over time through small changes to the design.

Radical

Where a completely new product is devised by making big and courageous changes to the design.

Eco-design

A design strategy that focuses on three broad environmental categories - materials, energy, and pollution/waste.

Cradle to Grave - Linear Economy

A design philosophy that considers the environmental effects of a product from manufacture to disposal.

Cradle to Cradle - Circular Economy

A design philosophy that aims to eliminate waste from the production, use, and disposal of a product.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

The assessment of the effect a product has on the environment through five stages of its life:pre-production, production, distribution, utilization, and disposal.

LCA stages

The different stages of a Life Cycle Assessment, including pre-production, production, distribution, utilization, and disposal.

Pre-production

The stage of the LCA where natural resources are obtained, which can have varying impacts on the environment.

Production

The stage of the LCA where resources are processed and shaped to make the product, with potential impacts on the environment.

Distribution

The stage of the LCA that involves transporting the product from the factory to the warehouse, store, and packaging, with varying environmental impacts.

Utilization

The stage of the LCA that focuses on the product's use and its effect on the environment.

Disposal

The stage of the LCA that depends on the product and method of disposal, including recycling, reusing, or breaking down the product.

Environmental considerations

Factors such as water and soil pollution, air contamination, noise, energy consumption, and their effects on ecosystems.

Environmental Impact Assessment Matrix

A tool for designers to assess the environmental impact of a product by organizing life cycle stages and environmental considerations.

Design for the Environment (DfE) software

Software that allows designers to perform Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) on a product and assess its environmental impact.

Product Cycle

The cycle that every product goes through from introduction to withdrawal or discontinuation, also known as the product life cycle.

Converging Technologies

The synergistic merging of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, and cognitive science.