Week 12 SI Flashcards
What is “biomimicry” in sustainable design?
Biomimicry is the practice of using nature’s strategies and designs to inspire sustainable solutions, like creating materials that mimic shark skin to reduce drag.
What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in sustainable design?
AI helps optimize resource use, predict environmental impacts, and create more efficient production processes, improving sustainability across product lifecycles.
Describe the concept of “circular economy 2.0.”
Circular Economy 2.0 goes beyond basic recycling, aiming for regenerative processes where materials are perpetually cycled without loss of value.
Explain the potential of “3D printing” for sustainability.
3D printing enables on-demand, localized production, reducing waste, material usage, and transportation emissions by creating items only as needed.
What are “smart materials,” and how do they support sustainability?
Smart materials adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature-responsive materials that improve energy efficiency by adjusting insulation.
How does blockchain technology enhance transparency in supply chains?
Blockchain provides a secure, transparent record of materials’ origins and movement, allowing consumers and companies to verify sustainable sourcing.
What is the concept of “product as a service” (PaaS)?
PaaS offers products through subscription or leasing rather than ownership, encouraging companies to design for durability, repairability, and reuse.
Describe the potential impact of biodegradable electronics on sustainability.
Biodegradable electronics are designed to decompose after use, reducing e-waste and environmental contamination from heavy metals and plastics.
What is “green chemistry,” and why is it important?
Green chemistry focuses on designing chemicals and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances, promoting safer, eco-friendly products.
How can vertical farming contribute to sustainable urban design?
Vertical farming allows crops to grow in controlled, stacked layers within urban areas, reducing the need for transportation and conserving water and space.
Explain the concept of “regenerative design.”
Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability by aiming to restore and enhance natural ecosystems, creating positive environmental impacts.
What is “decentralized manufacturing,” and how does it support sustainability?
Decentralized manufacturing uses localized facilities to produce goods close to the point of use, reducing transportation emissions and fostering community resilience.
Describe the role of Internet of Things (IoT) in sustainable design.
IoT technology connects devices and systems to monitor energy use, optimize resource consumption, and improve maintenance, supporting efficient operations.
How does “carbon capture and storage” (CCS) contribute to sustainability goals?
CCS captures CO2 emissions from industrial sources, preventing it from entering the atmosphere, and stores it underground or repurposes it for other uses.
What is the purpose of sustainable design frameworks like LEED and BREEAM?
These frameworks provide guidelines and certifications for designing eco-friendly buildings, encouraging sustainable practices in construction and operation.
