Topic 2 Flashcards
Definition of Renewable Resources
Resources that naturally renew themselves within a short period of time (100 years).
Definition of Non-renewable Resources
Resources that do no not naturally renew themselves within a short period of time (100 years).
Definition of a Reserve
A natural resource that has been identified in terms of quality and quantity, and can be extracted economically.
Definition of Renewability
The rate at which a resource can renew itself.
What are the Mitigation Strategies?
- Re-use
- Recycle
- Repair
- Recondition
- Re-engineering
- Dematerialization
- Circular Economy
Definition of Recondition
Re-building a product so that it is in an as new condition as possible.
Definition of Re-engineering
The re-design of products/components to improve their characteristics and performance.
Definition of Dematerialization
Reduction of the total material, energy and waste throughout the life of any product.
What is Circular Economy?
- The opposite of linear economy (take, make, dispose)
- Keep using resources over and over and over again in a closed loop system.
- The principles of circular economy are bio-mimicry, cradle-cradle and made to be made again.
What are the Stages of a Product’s Life Cycle?
1) Pre-production (extraction, processing and transport of materials)
2) Production
3) Packaging and Distribution
4) Utilization
5) Disposal
What are the 2 definitions of Embodied Energy?
The quantity of energy required for all the activities associated with pre-production and production (cradle-to-factory gate).
&
The quantity of energy required for all the activities throughout a product’s life (cradle-grave).
Definition of CHP
Combined heat and power, which generates heat and electricity.
What do Hydrogen fuel cells do?
Hydrogen fuel cells generate power but without burning the fuel (Hydrogen).
Aim of Clean Technologies
Clean technologies aim to reduce waste and pollution from processes through radical or incremental approaches.
Drivers (Motivators) of Clean Technologies
- Legislation
- Media
- Consumer Pressure
Definition of Incremental Solutions
Also known as end-of-pipe approaches, which is adding clean-up technologies at the end of the process. For example, adding a filter to a chimney. They take a shorter period of time to be implemented compared to radical solutions.
Definition of Radical Solutions
They re-think solutions and apply system level changes. They take a longer period of time to be implemented compared to incremental solutions.
What are the strategies for designing green products During Production?
- Clean technologies
- Recycled materials
- Design for materials, process and assembly
What are the strategies for designing green products During Distribution and Packaging?
- Reduce amount of packaging
- Use recycled materials for packaging
- Minimize weight of packaging
What are the strategies for designing green products During Utilization?
- Products should be energy efficient
- Products should be easy to repair
- Design for disassembly
What are the strategies for designing green products During Disposal?
- Use recyclable materials
- Design for disassembly
What is the Prevention Principle?
The avoidance/minimization of environmental hazards, which aim to promote the prevention of environmental harm.
What is the Precautionary Principle?
The anticipation of potential problems related to the environmental impact of the production, use and disposal of a product. It’s about being “safe than sorry”, where actions are taken to avoid potential negative impacts when sufficient evidence exists rather than waiting for absolute proof or damage to occur.
Definition of Eco-design
A design strategy that focuses on 3 broad environmental categories (materials, energy, pollution/waste). We know it has an LCA.
Definition of Green design
Developing ideas to have a reduced impact on the environment. It’s typically incremental, requiring a short period of time for implementation.
Definition of Life Cycle Analysis
Analysis of a product’s impact on the environment throughout its life cycle.
