Conservation of energy and resources

Responsible design aims to reduce unnecessary consumption of energy and finite resources throughout manufacture, transport, use and disposal.

Energy sources

Energy can come from non-renewable sources, such as oil, coal and natural gas, or from alternative renewable sources such as wind, hydro, solar photovoltaic, wave, tidal, geothermal and biomass.

Advantages of renewable energy

Renewable sources are sustainable because the energy source is naturally replenished.
Renewable generating facilities can require less maintenance than some traditional generators.
Once installed, using natural energy sources can reduce operational fuel costs.
Generation can produce little or no direct waste such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollutants, depending on the technology.
Renewable-energy projects can create social and economic benefits through employment and local services.

Limitations of renewable energy

Large quantities of electricity may require more generating installations than conventional fossil-fuel systems.
Some renewable sources depend on weather or environmental conditions, so supply can be inconsistent.
Large-scale energy storage can be difficult, meaning backup or storage systems may be required.
New renewable infrastructure can have high initial capital costs.

The suitability of an energy source therefore depends on location, required output, reliability, storage and the whole environmental impact rather than simply whether it is labelled renewable.

Conserving materials

Designers can reduce resource use by choosing appropriate materials and manufacturing methods, nesting components efficiently, reducing unnecessary material, extending product life and designing for reuse, repair and recycling.

Reducing material use must not make a product fail prematurely. A small increase in material may be justified if it greatly improves durability and prevents repeated replacement.

Product miles

Product miles are the total lifetime distance a product, its materials or components are transported from production to the place of use. Long supply chains can increase transport energy and emissions, so sourcing and distribution should be considered when evaluating environmental impact.

Waste and resource recovery

Manufacturing should minimise waste and consider whether off-cuts, materials, water, heat or other by-products can be reused or recovered. Waste has both an environmental and financial cost because material has been purchased and energy may already have been used to process it.

Keeping resources in use

A circular approach keeps products, components and materials useful for longer. Durable products can be maintained and repaired; components can be reused or refurbished; and materials can be recovered when the product reaches the end of its useful life.

For biological materials, safe biodegradation or composting can return nutrients to natural systems. Technical materials should ideally be separated and recovered so that they can re-enter manufacture without a major loss of quality.