Circular Economy
A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value, and regenerate natural systems. It is based on three principles:
- Design out waste and pollution**. This means designing products and services that do not generate waste or pollution in the first place.
- Keep products and materials in use**. This means repairing, refurbishing, and recycling products and materials as much as possible, to extend their lifespan.
- Regenerate natural systems**. This means restoring and protecting natural ecosystems, such as forests and oceans, which provide essential services such as clean air and water.
Design for Disassembly
Design for disassembly is a design principle that calls for products to be designed in such a way that they can be easily disassembled at the end of their life. This makes it easier to recycle or reuse the materials in the product, and to prevent them from going to waste.
There are a number of ways to design for disassembly. One way is to use modular components that can be easily taken apart. Another way is to use fasteners that can be easily removed without damaging the product. And finally, designers can also use materials that are easy to recycle or reuse.
Design for Reparability
Design for reparability is a design principle that calls for products to be designed in such a way that they can be easily repaired when they break. This makes it more economical for consumers to keep their products in use for longer, and it also helps to reduce the amount of waste that is produced.
There are a number of ways to design for repairability. One way is to use durable materials that are less likely to break. Another way is to make sure that the product is easy to disassemble and reassemble. And finally, designers can also provide clear instructions on how to repair the product.
Design for disassembly and reparability are two important principles of circular lighting. By designing lighting products that can be easily disassembled and repaired, we can help to reduce waste, extend the lifespan of our products, and create a more sustainable future.
Eco Design
Eco design is a design principle that calls for the minimization of negative environmental and health impacts across a product or service’s life cycle. This includes the following:
* The extraction of raw materials
* The manufacturing process
* The transportation of the product
* The use of the product
* The disposal of the product
Eco design can be used to reduce the environmental impact of products in a number of ways, such as:
* Using recycled materials
* Designing products for disassembly and reuse
* Using energy-efficient materials and processes
* Making products that are durable and long-lasting
Embodied Carbon
Embodied carbon is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted during the production of a product. This includes the CO2 emissions from the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, and the transportation of the product.
Embodied carbon is an important consideration for sustainable design, as it can have a significant impact on the overall environmental impact of a product. For example, a product that is made from recycled materials will have a lower embodied carbon than a product that is made from virgin materials.
End Of Life
The end of life is the life cycle stage during which a product no longer has value to its original owner and is then disposed of. There are a number of different ways that a product can be disposed of, such as:
* Recycling
* Repurposing
* Landfilling
* Incineration
The way that a product is disposed of can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, recycling a product can help to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, while incinerating a product can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
An environmental product declaration (EPD) is a document that communicates the environmental performance or impact of any product or material over its lifetime. It can be used to compare different products or materials in order to select the most sustainable option.
EPDs are typically created by independent third-party organizations and are based on life cycle assessment (LCA) data. LCA is a scientific method that is used to quantify the environmental impacts of a product or material throughout its entire life cycle.
EPDs can be a valuable tool for businesses and consumers who are looking to make more sustainable choices. By comparing different EPDs, businesses can select products and materials that have a lower environmental impact. And consumers can use EPDs to make informed decisions about the products that they purchase.
Footprint
A footprint is a measure of the environmental impact of a product or service. It can be used to compare different products or services in terms of their environmental impact. There are a number of different types of footprints, such as carbon footprint, water footprint, and energy footprint.
Operational Carbon
Operational carbon is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted during the operational or in-use phase of a building. This includes the CO2 emissions from heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy-consuming activities.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a product is all of the stages that a product goes through in its lifetime. This includes the following:
* Raw material extraction*
*Processing*
*Manufacturing*
*Use*
*End of life*
*Transportation*
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or system over its life cycle. LCA can be used to compare different products or systems in terms of their environmental impact.
Linear Economy
A linear economy is an economic system that is based on the “take-make-dispose” model. In a linear economy, raw materials are extracted from the environment, processed into products, and then disposed of as waste.
A linear economy is not sustainable because it depletes natural resources and creates pollution. A circular economy is an alternative to a linear economy that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible. In a circular economy, products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled, and waste is minimized.
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a method for assessing the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. The PEF considers a wide range of environmental impacts, including climate change, air pollution, water pollution, land use, and resource depletion.
The PEF is a valuable tool for businesses and policymakers to identify and reduce the environmental impacts of their products. It can also be used to compare the environmental performance of different products, and to set targets for reducing environmental impacts.
Here are some examples of how the PEF can be used:
- A business can use the PEF to identify the most environmentally impactful stages of its product’s life cycle. This information can then be used to focus efforts on reducing environmental impacts in those areas.
- A government can use the PEF to compare the environmental performance of different products. This information can then be used to set regulations or incentives to encourage the production and use of more environmentally friendly products.
The PEF is a complex and evolving methodology. However, it is an important tool for businesses and policymakers to help us move towards a more sustainable future.
Recycling
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. It is an alternative to conventional waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling can benefit your community and the environment
Remanufacturing
Remanufacturing is the process of restoring a product to its original specifications or better. It involves the disassembly, inspection, repair, reconditioning, and testing of a product. Remanufactured products are often of higher quality than new products, and they can save consumers money.
In the context of circular lighting, recycling and remanufacturing can be used to extend the lifespan of lighting products and reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. For example, used light bulbs can be recycled to recover the metals and other materials that they contain. Remanufactured light bulbs can be used to replace older, less efficient bulbs.
Recycling and remanufacturing are both important parts of a circular economy. A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. By recycling and remanufacturing lighting products, we can help to create a more sustainable future.
Sustainability
Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a balance of social, environmental, and economic performance. Social sustainability refers to the well-being of people and communities, including their health, education, and access to resources. Environmental sustainability refers to the protection of the natural environment, including its ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. Economic sustainability refers to the ability of an economy to grow and prosper without depleting its natural resources or harming the environment.
Upcycling
Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials and objects. It is a form of recycling that adds value to materials that would otherwise be discarded. Upcycling can be done at home or on an industrial scale. Some examples of upcycling include: Making new clothes from old clothes Making furniture from old pallets Making jewelry from old metal Making art from old newspapers
Upcycling is a sustainable way to reduce waste and create new products. It can also be a creative and rewarding hobby.
WEE
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a broad term that encompasses all types of electronic and electrical equipment that has reached the end of its useful life. This includes items such as computers, televisions, refrigerators, and cell phones. WEEE often contains hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can pollute the environment if they are not properly disposed of.
Zero Waste
Zero waste is a waste management philosophy that seeks to eliminate the production of waste through reuse, repair, and recycling. The goal of zero waste is to create a circular economy, in which all materials are reused or recycled indefinitely. Zero waste can be achieved through a variety of strategies, such as:
Zero waste is a challenging goal to achieve, but it is one that is worth striving for. By reducing our reliance on landfills and incinerators, we can protect the environment and create a more sustainable future.