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NETW
RK
for Electronic Product Design
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CfSD Conferences and Networks
page | NEPD Homepage | Online
conference
Workshop 3: Research into eco-issues and
product design
Andrew Sweatman, Manchester Metropolitan
University
John Gertsakis, Centre for Design at RMIT
Dr Mark Hinnells, Oxford University
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Designing greener domestic appliances requires a systematic approach from
the micro level - the design of single appliances - to the macro level;
the economic, social, cultural and regulatory framework.
Both areas complement each other and require closer collaboration than
at present to enable significant environmental change.
This workshop explores the broader framework that is now developing to
encourage greener appliances, such as energy labelling, as well as techniques
that can be used in the design of specific appliances; a case study for
a kettle is discussed.
The macro view: an introduction to policy initiatives
Designers are constrained in their decisions by the economic, social, cultural
and regulatory framework.
Life-cycle analyses of washing machines, fridges and freezers, lights,
kettels and gas cookers all show a consistent picture; that some 80% of
the environmental impact of domestic appliances arises from energy consumption
in use (Hinnells 1995).
The DECADE model at the University of Oxford (1995) examines possible energy
savings from all appliances and lighting.
Part or all of these savings (equivalent to the output of 7 power stations)
could be accessed from policy initiatives aimed at Market Transformation,
including information programmes (energy labels); incentive programmes
(technology procurement and rebates); and regulatory approaches (minimum
standards or voluntary agreements).
Policies are most likely to be effective in combination. The appropriate
combination will be specific to an appliance and will depend on a number
of factors including: the rate of technological change; the spread of efficiencies
already on the market; and the level of consumer awareness.
Such policy proposals make energy efficiency (or other environmental impacts)
a part of the decision-making process for designers.
The micro view: Keeping water hotter longer; designing a green kettle.
How do we design an environmentally responsible kettle? Perhaps
that is the wrong question to ask if we really want to re-evaluate a product
from an ecological perspective.
The real question should be focussed on what service the kettle provides.
How do we generate hot water for beverages with a minimal environmental
impact? This is where the Centre
for Design at RMIT began with the design of a new green kettle for the
Australian appliance manufacturer Kambrook.
A life-cycle approach
Recent responses to the idea of an environmentally responsible kettle have
included recyclable kettles (of a type that snaps apart for easier separation
of materials). While worthy from a waste disposal perspective, this really
doesn't address the true environmental impact of the product. After a detailed
life-cycle assessment of a kettle, it was discovered that the energy input
to it over its life easily overshadowed all other impacts. Therefore it
is vital to improve the energy consumption of the kettle if we really want
to improve its total life-cycle impact.
The role of the user
In a perfect world a new technology would become available that allowed
water to be boiled using minimal energy. This 'quantum leap' approach is
evident in the replacement of incandescent light globes by compact fluorescent
tubes, where energy efficiency can be improved by four to eight times.
Unless we could discover a similar technology for kettles, however (for
example, microwaves), the technical restraints of an electrical element
require a different approach for environmental improvement.
By understanding how people use the kettle, it may be possible to use existing
technology but alter the use of the product so as to improve
its environmental performance.
After a behavioural study had shown that people reboil an electric kettle
even when there is no need to do so, the obvious solution seemed to be
to provide a built-in temperature display to show whether the water in
it is still hot enough to use. Another design feature was to use a double-wall
to reduce heat loss, so that the water stays hotter longer. Energy is saved,
therefore, by minimising the need for reboiling.
The results
Comparison between the new design, with double-wall insulation and a temperature
gauge, and existing models shows a quite dramatic saving in energy. For
example, if the kettle is reboiled after 10 minutes the energy saving is
46%, and even after 85 minutes the saving is 22%.
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References:
Hinnells M J (1995) Evaluation of environmental impacts of domestic
appliances and implications for public policy: PhD thesis, Manchester Metropolitan
University.
DECADE (1995) DECADE (Domestic Equipment and Carbon Dioxide Emissions)
Programme, Second Year Report: Environmental Change Unit, University of
Oxford, (Tel: 01865 281180.)
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