Toward the end of the 1960s, ecological design emerged in the design field. It was a response to the rise of modern environmentalism. While not a new theory, it was a new philosophy of product sustainability. It was founded on principles of energy and weight savings, renewable source use, and reuse.
Ecological design is based on a production perspective that integrates environmental protection criteria into every phase of product design. The goal is to reduce negative impacts and maximize the value of products. A product’s lifespan is also considered in ecodesign. It is used in designing homes, buildings, and consumer goods. Examples of eco-design include biodegradable furniture, recycled tableware, and edible coffee cups.
Ecological and environmental design resources for new and innovative products include ISO 14062, a standard that assesses the integration of environmental aspects into product design. In addition, it enables companies to certify their environmental commitment. The European Directive 2009/125/CE establishes a framework for ecodesign requirements for energy-related products. The new regulation will enter into force in April 2021. It will establish policies that are more favorable to improve eco-design in the EU.
The term “ecology” is defined as the “integral link between living organisms and their surroundings,” and was introduced by Ernst Haeckel in 1866. Haeckel argued that organisms are part of a cohort of larger environmental forces. He described ecology as “a circular causal form of reasoning.”
In the early twentieth century, Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was influential in naturalists and planners. Naturalists such as D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson applied evolution to geometry, morphology, and the study of forms. In his book On Growth and Form, he suggested that geometrical forms could be analysed by means of evolutionary theory.
The theory of evolution has also influenced designers. For example, Frederick John Kiesler was an Austrian-American architect, sculptor, and writer who developed a series of visual maps of the natural world. He also published the results of his studies of morphology.
Ecological design also originated in Scotland, with Patrick Geddes. He was a biologist turned town planner. He expanded the design process to include not only making determinate products, but also replicating natural systems.
Ecological design can begin with a synthetic replication of natural systems. It can also be integrated into the natural world, as with biomimicry practices.
Ecological design resources for new and innovative products include the Cradle to Cradle system, which assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products. It includes five performance categories and fosters innovation in sustainable products. It also provides more opportunities for stakeholders to participate in product development.
The history of ecology is rooted in classification of the world’s living stock and recognition of feedback. It has also emerged as a mechanism of reason in debates about the common good. As such, ecology surfaces as an inevitable consequence of reason in design debates. This can be seen in the advocacy of unity and the common good.
Ecological and environmental design resources for sustainable products include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, which is a technical classification tool. It has been criticized as a way to increase revenue. However, it is increasingly being accepted as an addition to the product development process.
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