How can you use green design to promote a circular economy?

Green design (and Greendesign) starts with understanding that waste is a resource. For as long as a material has embodied energy and water, it can and should be reused until end of life where it is then broken down into its elements and these elements are reused again. Ecosystems and biosystems are a great examples of circularity - however, the world that we build is currently only 7.2% circular. We need to live within our planetary boundaries through circularity and this can be achieved through reduction in consumption of materials and resources, optimisation of lifespan for material and product use, design for reuse and the elimination of waste. Circularity has a measurable cost benefit through dematerialisation.

Green design where you use technologies that reduce the cost and efforts for citizens. It is also related mostly in green buildings as architecture and technology. The most important how we can have green space within a building and a city. There are some green beautiful buildings designed by giant companies to create a great sustainable environment for their employees.

Green design in a circular economy involves rethinking the product life cycle. Designers must balance sourcing sustainable materials, integrating renewable energy, and ensuring easy disassembly for reuse/recycling. Achieving this balance requires a deep understanding of material science, manufacturing, and consumer behaviour. It means taking a holistic approach where innovation meets environmental consciousness, shaping a future where design and sustainability coexist seamlessly.

Das Thema Nachhaltigkeit und Ressourcenschonung wird in der heutigen Zeit immer wichtig. Ein essenzieller Part bei der Ressourcenschonung ist das Recycling. ♻️ Wir müssen die Roh- und Wertstoffe die wir haben recyceln. Hier fängt der Kreislauf schon bei der Produktentwicklung an. Zum Start muss man sich überlegen, welchen Einfluss das Produkt auf die Umwelt hat und wie man es am Besten konzipiert. Green Design ist hier eine wichtige und richtige Herangehensweisen um die Ressourcen unserer Erde zu schützen und auf Recycling zu setzen.

For professionals looking to apply these principles, a good start is to critically evaluate our material selection and supply chain processes. By choosing materials that are not only durable and recyclable but also supplied by companies practicing sustainable methods, we can contribute to a closed-loop system. Another practical step is to design for disassembly, allowing products to be easily broken down for repair or recycling at the end of their life cycle. Sharing knowledge and resources within our networks can catalyze collective action towards sustainability.

Green design is a basis for the circular economy transition: Thinking - before we produce something - what happens to a product at the end of its lifecycle, is a radical action in our wasteful world. And - it can be the new normal!

Green design is the cornerstone of a circular economy, transforming the way we see products from their inception. It's about designing products that are not only efficient and sustainable but also have an extended lifecycle. This approach challenges the traditional 'take, make, waste' model, emphasising repair, reuse, and recycle. By adopting green design principles, businesses can innovate new models like leasing or sharing. It's a shift towards thinking about products as services, ensuring that every item is made to last and designed to fit within a sustainable system.

Green design serves as the crucial link between the circular economy and planetary boundaries. By creating products that align with the principles of the circular economy—minimizing waste and maximizing resources—green design directly contributes to respecting the Earth's environmental thresholds. This approach not only fosters a regenerative economic model but also ensures we operate within the limits of our planet's resources, paving the way for a more sustainable and balanced future.

Circulate products and materials at their highest value by keeping them in use for as long as possible and recovering them at the end of their life. This can extend the life span of products and materials, reduce the need for new resources, and create new economic opportunities.

Everything comes down to design--design for long-term use, and design for deconstruction, these considerations facilitate the transition to a circular economy.

Adding to designing for disassembly and durability I believe that adding modularity to the design can help expanding the lifespan of products. It enables a product to be expanded and upgrades can be implemented more fine grained.

Green design catalyzes circular economy by redefining the traditional linear production model. Through selection of material choices, durability, & recyclability, green design minimizes waste and pollution, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. By prioritizing product design that emphasizes reuse, repair, & recycling, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future. Moreover, green design opens doors to innovative business models - leasing & product-as-a-service, fostering a culture of responsible consumption. Embracing green design reduces environmental impact & positions companies as key players in the transition towards a circular economy, where resources are conserved, and products are kept in use for a longer time.

Green design promotes a circular economy by minimizing waste, extending product lifespans, and maximizing resource utilization. ♻️🌳Life cycle assessment (LCA): Evaluate the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. Identify Design for disassembly: Design products to be easily disassembled, facilitating material recovery and recycling. Use standardized components, minimize adhesives and glues, and provide clear disassembly instructions. -Material selection: Choose materials that are recyclable, renewable, or non-toxic. Avoid hazardous substances -Design for reuse and repair -Design for closed-loop recycling -Sustainable consumption education.

Being able to integrate the knowledge we have today about the impact of products and services in their life cycle into the research and development activities of innovative materials represents a key factor that allows green design to explore new paths and identify new solutions, once unattainable.

Green Design & Circular Economy can be considered as a dynamic duo. The integration of life cycle assessments, biomimicry, and modular design showcases a holistic approach that goes beyond aesthetics. Below can be few outcome from this duo initiative:- - Environmental Insight : Life cycle assessments guide us from product inception to end-of-life, aligning designs with circular principles. - Nature's wisdom: Biomimicry inspires innovation, translating nature's brilliance into sustainable, enduring solutions. - Adaptability Rules : Modularity, standardization, and customization foster designs that are easily adaptable and endlessly reusable. - Material Choices : Opting for eco-friendly materials - recycled, renewable, and biodegradable

Showcasing green design skills and building a strong portfolio can be exemplified through companies like Allbirds. This footwear brand is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, using materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fibers. By emphasizing durability, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact, Allbirds serves as a prime example of how green design principles can be successfully implemented. Aspiring green designers can leverage such concrete examples in their portfolios to highlight their commitment to creating products aligned with sustainability, making a compelling case for the positive impact of green design in the corporate world.

-Highlight your understanding of green design principles -Emphasize the environmental benefits of your designs -Showcase your ability to balance sustainability with functionality and aesthetics -Tailor your portfolio to the specific job or audience: -Use storytelling to connect with your audience -Leverage digital platforms to showcase your portfolio -Network with other green design professionals -Stay up-to-date with the latest green design trends -Seek opportunities to contribute to open-source green design projects -Pursue relevant certifications and training

This a challenge for people and for organizations too. The way to showcase green design skill is in the meantime a great opportunity and a "sort of risk". Everyone today must be very careful about do not overemphasize these skills in order not to be accused of a form of greenwashing associated with skills. It is important to present your skills in a very objective way, indicating if possible concrete, verifiable cases in which these skills have had the opportunity to express themselves.

To showcase green design skills, build a diverse portfolio featuring projects with sustainable elements. Utilize digital platforms like websites and social media for broader visibility (think a personal website or LinkedIn). Emphasize unique sustainable features and their environmental impact-or lack there off. Include client testimonials and case studies to demonstrate the practical success of your designs. Engage in green design communities and competitions, write articles on sustainable design trends, and use multimedia for visual effectiveness.

There can be crucial steps to showcase the green design skills and portfolio: - Portfolio should highlights the significant effect of design projects by providing a clear image of the process from challenge to solution via the use of infographics, diagrams, and videos. - Transparency and accountability are increased by include indicators like circularity scores, carbon footprints, and water footprints. It's a tangible commitment to a sustainable future, not simply design. - People who have used and liked your work relatesd to green design can tell others about it through a testimonials video, which shows that your work is good and makes people happy. - Leveraging diverse online platforms to share the green design concept

Below can be the step by step approach to learn more about green design & circular economy:- - Relevant Webinars & Workshops - Research Papers, Jornals & Magazines - Online courses offered by world's leading organisation - Join in online communities, forum and social media. - Organize & Attend Local Events on Green Design - Hands on projects - Continuous Networking

1. Take online courses and webinars 2. Read books and articles 3. Attend conferences and workshops 4. Get hands-on experience 5. Follow green design blogs and websites 6.GreenBiz: GreenBiz is a news and media company that covers the intersection of business and sustainability. They offer a variety of resources on their website, including articles, webinars, and podcasts. 7. The Sustainable Products and Services Council (SPSC): The SPSC is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable product design and manufacturing. They offer a variety of resources on their website, including case studies, tools, and reports.

Venturing into the realms of green design and the circular economy becomes a richer experience when you dive into the practices of companies like Patagonia. Known for their strong commitment to environmental responsibility, Patagonia incorporates recycled materials into their outdoor apparel and actively promotes product repair and recycling. For those eager to explore more about green design, consider checking out educational platforms, attending sustainability conferences, and delving into real-world stories like Patagonia's initiatives. Exploring the sustainable practices of different companies offers a practical perspective on how green design principles can be effectively applied across diverse industries.

I strongly advise consulting the EU Circular economy action plan (CEAP). The resources and lectures presented here have been really helpful in my learning journey. Furthermore, networking with relevant and expert professionals in circularity is a massive source of development and peer-to-peer learning.

In my opinion and experience book are really important and research and white papers and documents from academic, event and foundations are important too, but what is very useful are case histories. The story of companies and people we can read on some websites devoted to sustainability and circular economy.

Design for Longevity - By focusing on durable materials and timeless designs, products can have extended lifespans. For example, a furniture company specializing in modular, easily repairable pieces has seen a surge in customer loyalty, as buyers appreciate the long-term value and sustainability. Incorporate Recyclable Materials - Utilizing recyclable or biodegradable materials in product design can significantly contribute to a circular economy. A notable case is a smartphone manufacturer that introduced a fully recyclable phone, which not only reduced waste but also resonated with eco-conscious consumers, boosting brand reputation and sales.

Green design plays a pivotal role in promoting a circular economy by emphasizing sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. Designing products with recyclability in mind, using renewable resources, and prioritizing longevity contribute to a closed-loop system where materials are continuously reused. This not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters a more sustainable and resilient economy.