Responsible Design

Question 1

What is meant by primary carbon footprint?

Answer 1

measures direct emissions of CO2 from burning of fossil fuels

Question 2

What is meant by secondary carbon footprint?

Answer 2

measures indirect CO2 from products we use

Question 3

List 3 things designers should consider when designing sustainable products

Answer 3

how to conserve energy during product manufacture
product miles
how to conserve materials

Question 4

What are the three strands of sustainable development?

Answer 4

economic, social, environmental

Question 5

What factors could designers consider when it comes to the environmental impact of packaging?

Answer 5

making packaging lightweight
using recycled content
making packaging recyclable or reusable

Question 6

Give 3 advantages of using renewable energy

Answer 6

little or no waste
fuel derived from natural resources reduces operational costs
facilities generally require less maintenance

Question 7

Give 3 disadvantages of using renewable energy

Answer 7

cannot be stored in large quantities
often relies on weather
currently more expensive than traditional fossil fuel

Question 8

What is meant by the term circular economy?

Answer 8

cradle-to-cradle approach that designs for biological and technical ‘nutrients’ to be continuously reused the same quality

Question 9

What are the. two ‘nutrient’ types in the circular economy?

Answer 9

biological- organic non-toxic materials can be safely composted
technical- man made materials designed to be used repeatedly

Question 10

Suggest 4 ways in which a company can support a circular economy

Answer 10

reduce waste
avoid pollution
work against the unsustainable ‘take, make,dispose’ culture