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Challenges of Applying Simplified LCA Tools in Sustainable Design Pedagogy

Author

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  • Suphichaya Suppipat

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan)

  • Kulthida Teachavorasinskun

    (Department of Industrial Design, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand)

  • Allen H. Hu

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan)

Abstract

The growing recognition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been integrated globally into product design and business activities. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered a useful tool for designers to apply in the early stages of product design to mitigate the environmental impact. The study aims to identify the challenges of applying simplified LCA tools to improve the eco-efficiency of products and achieve a higher level of sustainable innovation. The study was conducted in a sustainable design course at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, for four consecutive years. All challenges and opportunities by using ECO-it, Eco-indicators, and the Materials, Energy use, and Toxic emissions (MET) matrix to assess the environmental impact in each phase of 11 home appliances are presented and discussed. Results show the positive potential of applying the tools to achieve function innovation in design for sustainable innovation. The needs for guided instruction, the availability of the database, the complexity of a study product, and the overlooking of social dimensions are four major challenges in applying the tools in the early stages of product redesign. Further study in testing the tools and developing a database in collaboration with industries should be conducted to compare and validate the results.

Suggested Citation

  • Suphichaya Suppipat & Kulthida Teachavorasinskun & Allen H. Hu, 2021. "Challenges of Applying Simplified LCA Tools in Sustainable Design Pedagogy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2406-:d:504555
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deborah Sumter & Conny Bakker & Ruud Balkenende, 2018. "The Role of Product Design in Creating Circular Business Models: A Case Study on the Lease and Refurbishment of Baby Strollers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Inês Sousa & David Wallace & Julie L. Eisenhard, 2000. "Approximate Life‐Cycle Assessment of Product Concepts Using Learning Systems," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 4(4), pages 61-81, October.
    3. Eleonora Foschi & Sara Zanni & Alessandra Bonoli, 2020. "Combining Eco-Design and LCA as Decision-Making Process to Prevent Plastics in Packaging Application," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-13, November.
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    Cited by:

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