Many tools exist to evaluate eventual environmental impacts during a product design process. Some of these include various forms of life cycle analysis, material checklists, or approaches such as design for environment. However there is less understanding of how far this has diffused into industry in the ‘real world’.

This project seeks to answer the following:

• To what extent have environmental impact assessment tools been adopted into commercial product design processes?
• What are the business drivers for increased environmentalism in product design?

This research will help set to an industry benchmark in this area, provide examples of industry best practices, and help indicate to researchers where their concepts have been useful (and not so useful) to industry. Research outcomes include a widely distributed dissertation, published journal articles, non-technical articles in industry magazines and spin-off research.

You can help!

Take a 5 minute online survey (for the chance to win a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate!)

Contact us to arrange an in-depth interview by phone or in person.

The Ginkgo Project is being carried out by Brendan Baker (Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Cambridge) with direction from Dr. Claire Barlow (Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge)

Update: The project has had some great support from Core77.com, Industrial Brand Creative and Everythingisdesign.com. Thanks for the support, and please keep spreading the word!