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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecological design | 4/4 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_design | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T07:17:53.698459+00:00 | kb-cron |
== Active systems == These systems use the principle of harnessing the power generated from renewable and inexhaustible sources of energy, for example; solar, wind, thermal, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower energy. Solar power is a widely known and used renewable energy source. An increase in technology has allowed solar power to be used in a wide variety of applications. Two types of solar panels generate heat into electricity. Thermal solar panels reduce or eliminate the consumption of gas and diesel, and reduce CO2 emissions. Photovoltaic panels convert solar radiation into an electric current which can power any appliance. This is a more complex technology and is generally more expensive to manufacture than thermal panels. Biomass is the energy source created from organic materials generated through a forced or spontaneous biological process. Geothermal energy is obtained by harnessing heat from the ground. This type of energy can be used to heat and cool homes. It eliminates dependence on external energy and generates minimum waste. It is also hidden from view as it is placed underground, making it more aesthetically pleasing and easier to incorporate in a design. Wind turbines are a useful application for areas without immediate conventional power sources, e.g., rural areas with schools and hospitals that need more power. Wind turbines can provide up to 30% of the energy consumed by a household but they are subject to regulations and technical specifications, such as the maximum distance at which the facility is located from the place of consumption and the power required and permitted for each property. Water recycling systems such as rainwater tanks that harvest water for multiple purposes. Reusing grey water generated by households are a useful way of not wasting drinking water. Hydropower, also known as water power, is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines. Hydropower is an attractive alternative to fossil fuels as it does not directly produce carbon dioxide or other atmospheric pollutants and it provides a relatively consistent source of power.
== Passive systems == Buildings that integrate passive energy systems (bioclimatic buildings) are heated using non-mechanical methods, thereby optimizing natural resources. Passive daylighting involves the positioning and location of a building to allow for and make use of sunlight throughout the whole year. By using the Sun's rays, thermal mass is stored in the building materials such as concrete and can generate enough heat for a room. Green roofs are roofs that are partially or completely covered with plants or other vegetation. Green roofs are passive systems in that they create insulation that helps regulate the building's temperature. They also retain water, providing a water recycling system, and can provide soundproofing. Natural/Passive ventilation uses architectural form and orientation to promote airflow and reduce reliance on mechanical air-conditioning systems. Well-designed openings, atria, and cross-ventilation paths allow fresh air to enter and warm air to escape through pressure and temperature differences, maintaining indoor comfort without additional energy input.
== History == 1971 Ian McHarg, in his book Design with Nature, popularized a system of analyzing the layers of a site in order to compile a complete understanding of the qualitative attributes of a place. McHarg gave every qualitative aspect of the site a layer, such as the history, hydrology, topography, vegetation, etc. This system became the foundation of today's Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a ubiquitous tool used in the practice of ecological landscape design. 1978 Permaculture. Bill Mollison and David Holmgren coin the phrase for a system of designing regenerative human ecosystems. (Founded in the work of Fukuoka, Yeoman, Smith, etc.. 1994 David Orr, in his book Earth in Mind: On Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect, compiled a series of essays on "ecological design intelligence" and its power to create healthy, durable, resilient, just, and prosperous communities. 1994 Canadian biologists John Todd and Nancy Jack Todd, in their book From Eco-Cities to Living Machines, describe the precepts of ecological design. 2000 Ecosa Institute begins offering an Ecological Design Certificate, teaching designers to design with nature. 2004 Fritjof Capra, in his book The Hidden Connections: A Science for Sustainable Living, wrote this primer on the science of living systems and considers the application of new thinking by life scientists to our understanding of social organization. 2004 K. Ausebel compiled personal stories of the world's most innovative ecological designers in Nature's Operating Instructions.
== Ecodesign research == Ecodesign research focuses primarily on barriers to implementation, ecodesign tools and methods, and the intersection of ecodesign with other research disciplines. Several review articles provide an overview of the evolution and current state of ecodesign research:
== See also ==
== Notes and references ==
== Bibliography == Lacoste, R., Robiolle, M., Vital, X., (2011), "Ecodesign of electronic devices", DUNOD, France McAloone, T. C. & Bey, N. (2009), Environmental improvement through product development - a guide, Danish EPA, Copenhagen Denmark, ISBN 978-87-7052-950-1, 46 pages Lindahl, M.: Designer's utilization of DfE methods. Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on "Sustainable Consumption", 2003. Tokyo, Japan, The Society of Non-Traditional Technology (SNTT) and Research Center for Life Cycle Assessment (AIST). Wimmer W., Züst R., Lee K.-M. (2004): Ecodesign Implementation – A Systematic Guidance on Integrating Environmental Considerations into Product Development, Dordrecht, Springer Charter, M./ Tischner, U. (2001): Sustainable Solutions. Developing Products and Services for the Future. Sheffield: Greenleaf ISO TC 207/WG3 ISO TR 14062 The Journal of Design History: Environmental conscious design and inverse manufacturing, 2005. Eco Design 2005, 4th International Symposium The Design Journal: Vol 13, Number 1, March 2010 - Design is the problem: The future of Design must be sustainable, N. Shedroff. "Eco Deco", S. Walton "Small ECO Houses - Living Green in Style", C. Paredes Benitez, A. Sanchez Vidiella
== Further reading == From Bauhaus to Ecohouse: A History of Ecological Design. By Peder Anker, Published by Louisiana State University Press, 2010. ISBN 0-8071-3551-8. Ecological Design. By Sim Van der Ryn, Stuart Cowan, Published by Island Press, 2007. ISBN 978-1-59726-141-8 (2nd ed., 1st, 1996) Ignorance and Surprise: Science, Society, and Ecological Design. By Matthias Gross, Published by MIT Press, 2010. ISBN 0-262-01348-7
== External links == Sustainable Design & Development Resource Guide The European Commission's website on Ecodesign activities and related legislation including minimum requirements for energy using products The European Commission's Directory of LCA and Ecodesign services, tools and databases The European Commission's ELCD core database with Ecoprofiles (free of charge) Environmental Effect Analysis (EEA) – Principles and structure EIME, the ecodesign methodology of the electrical and electronic industry 4E, IEA Implementing Agreement on Efficient Electrical End-Use Equipment