Ecodesign
The design phase already determines 80% of a product’s environmental impact
Changes are essential as the world faces the challenge of environmental degradation and resource depletion caused by human activities, particularly industrial production and consumption.
Performing a life cycle assessment and implementing ecodesign principles is important to minimise the environmental impact of products and processes throughout their entire life cycle while maximising function.
Ecodesign is a holistic approach that incorporates environmental aspects derived from a product's life cycle into the product development process. It considers factors such as resource efficiency, energy use, materials selection and waste reduction, with the ultimate goal of promoting sustainable practices and reducing the ecological footprint of human activities.
By prioritising environmental considerations from the beginning of a project, ecodesign plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and resource depletion. Product designers and manufacturers are encouraged to consider environmental factors at every stage of product development by following the ecodesign framework. Life cycle assessment results provide valuable insights and serve as valuable input for prioritising key aspects of product development.
The ecodesign wheel represents the leading principles followed. The order should be based on things of environmental importance. It emphasises the interconnectedness of the areas and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach in the product development stage.
In addition, ecodesign ensures that products and services are future-proof and can also be sold when new sustainability legislation comes into place, such as the EU Taxonomy, e.g. regarding climate and circular economy issues, and the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) 1 . As consumers request more sustainable products, ecodesign is an increasingly important tool to improve the competitiveness of products and services.
Ensuring a deep understanding of a product and enabling further ecodesign and environmental product declaration developments
Ecodesign and life cycle assessment (LCA) are valuable tools that companies can use to create products and services that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable. LCAs identify the materials or processes which have the highest environmental impact.
AFRY's approach to ecodesign
- Determining the product or process to focus on: ecodesign becomes essential when creating a new product or updating existing ones
- Identifying areas for improvement: producing an LCA to pinpoint high-impact life cycle steps and materials
- Increasing ecodesign knowledge and competence: providing ecodesign training to boost sustainable product skills
- Generating sustainable ideas and concepts: developing ideas and solutions for more sustainable products in workshops
- Integrating the new product development processes: establishing development methods for sustainable products
- Commercialisation through marketing strategies
Ecodesign e-learning course
Find out more detailed information on the course through the link below!
- Who can benefit from ecodesign?
- What concrete benefits do life cycle assessments and ecodesign have for my business?
Companies that develop products and services can greatly benefit from incorporating ecodesign principles into their processes. This includes product designers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders involved in product development.
By considering environmental aspects from the beginning, companies can reduce their impact on the environment and increase their competitiveness in the market.
Incorporating ecodesign principles and conducting life cycle assessments can provide various benefits for your business that will lead to improved sustainability performance and enhanced customer and end-user satisfaction.
We have listed several key reasons for utilising life cycle assessments and ecodesign below:
- Environmental impact: efforts focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are a crucial step towards a sustainable future.
- Resource conservation: optimisation of resource use and fostering a circular economy are key strategies for promoting lasting sustainability.
- Energy efficiency: sustainable design promotes energy-efficient technologies, paving the way for a greener future.
- Improved competitiveness: implementing ecodesign principles leads to cost saving, efficiency, sustainable and attractive products.
- Cost reduction: ecodesign can lead to significant cost savings by reducing waste, energy usage and the need for resources.
- Brand reputation: by incorporating sustainable practices into their processes, businesses can improve their brand reputation among consumers who are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious.
- Regulatory compliance: with stricter environmental regulations being implemented worldwide, ecodesign and life cycle assessments help companies comply with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.
- Collaboration opportunities: ecodesign encourages collaboration between different stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, leading to stronger partnerships and potentially opening up new markets for businesses.
Footnotes
- 1. https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels/products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/sustainable-products/ecodesign-sustainable-products-regulation_en a↩
