Eco-design, also known as green design, is a design concept that focuses on protecting the environment. This design philosophy aims to reduce resource consumption and environmental pollution in order to achieve the goal of sustainable development. Below are several key aspects of eco-design and related information:
- Principles of Eco-design
Principle of Prevention and Minimisation of Environmental Impact: To reduce the impact on the environment through rational design and planning at the decision-making analysis and evaluation stage.
Principle of Reduced Resource Consumption: In the design and manufacturing process, reduce the consumption of resources as much as possible and improve the efficiency of resource utilisation.
Principle of prioritising the use of renewable resources: Prioritise the use of renewable resources such as solar energy and wind energy, and reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
Principle of resource recycling: through the design of a reasonable recycling system, realise the recycling of resources and reduce the generation of waste.
Principle of harmless engineering materials: choose harmless or low-harm environmentally friendly materials to avoid harming the environment and human health. - Application fields of environmental protection design
Energy saving and emission reduction:
Adopt renewable energy, such as solar energy, wind power, etc.
Reduce building energy consumption, e.g. use of thermal insulation materials, efficient air-conditioning systems, etc.
Strengthen building energy conservation management, including daily energy consumption management, equipment maintenance, and energy monitoring.
Water quality protection:
Adopt water-saving devices and valves to reduce water wastage.
Strengthen sewage treatment to purify water quality.
Strengthen water resource management to achieve sustainable use of water resources.
Greening the environment:
Design green belts to increase environmental greening and improve air quality. - Practical Cases of Environmental Design
Polar Bear Tissue Holder: The design idea comes from the polar bear’s “anxiety”, reminding people to save resources and consume wisely.
Shell helmet: The helmet is made from marine waste (shells) produced during the food industry processing, realising the reuse of waste.
Multi-functional eco-bag: made from RPET felt, the carrying handle is made from recycled PVB car glass, demonstrating the diversity and innovative application of eco-friendly materials. - Market Trends in Eco-design
With the rise of environmental awareness, the market is increasing its demand for eco-friendly decoration and design companies, expecting them to provide eco-friendly materials such as low VOC and formaldehyde-free.
The government and policies are also promoting the development of eco-design, such as the introduction of policies and regulations such as the Green Building Evaluation Standard and the Green Building Material Evaluation and Labelling Management Measures, which provide standards and guidance for eco-design. - Future Prospects of Environmental Design
With the development of science and technology and the promotion of innovation, environmental design will become more diversified, personalised and efficient.
Concepts such as circular economy and intelligent transformation will be further integrated into environmental design, promoting environmental design to a higher level.
In conclusion, eco-design is a design approach that takes into account environmental impact and human needs in a comprehensive manner, which not only helps protect the environment, but also improves people’s quality of life and promotes sustainable development.