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Design for Environment (DfE) is the systematic integration of environmental considerations into the design of industrial products and processes. The EcoDesign Strategy Wheel, developed in the Netherlands,(f.1) provides a product life-cycle framework that captures the key elements of the approach.
Below is a brief description of each one of the terms used in the wheel.
1. Select low environmental impact materials
This strategy focusses on selecting the most environmentally appropriate material for the application, looking at issues such as the durability of the material, its potential for recycling, and the avoidance of toxic substances.
2. Reduce material quantity
Use the least amount of material necessary by developing lean but strong designs. Consider how to achieve smaller product volume to improve efficiency in distribution and storage. Exploit lightweight materials when they can result in significantly reduced energy consumption, e.g., in vehicle components.
3. Optimize production techniques
Refine production or find alternative approaches to improve energy efficiency and to reduce wastes and pollution. One of the very successful transitions in industrial production was the switch from CFCs (major ozone-depleting substances) to alternate solvents for the cleaning of circuit boards.
4. Optimize the distribution system
Take into account the packaging requirements of a product and the efficiency of transport to its eventual market. Use recycled or...