New eco-design tool goes live | 12th May 2010
We are delighted to announce the launch of a new online eco-design tool enabling designers, engineers and brand owners to assess the lifecycle impacts of their products and gain valuable compliance information.
'Product Ecology' has been developed for a diverse range of users worldwide. From product engineers, manufacturers and brand owners to SMEs, educators and individual design practitioners. Subscription rates reflect size and type of organisation and requirements and there is an initial offer of a 14 day free trial.
The tool has been produced by our specialist Digital sustainability team, and John Gertsakis, based in Melbourne, who led the development, explains the importance for designers of knowing the environmental impact of products upfront:
"80% of all product-related environmental impacts are determined during the design phase of a product. Waste, toxics, emissions and water scarcity are all impacts that can be significantly minimised and even eliminated through intelligent design, lifecycle thinking and eco-innovation. Our new online tool enables designers to input data and receive instant and uncomplicated feedback on design decisions and choices to help them shape their most eco-efficient approach."
Product Ecology has been built by WSP's own team of software and environmental specialists, working closely with designers, sustainability professionals and manufacturers.
Product Ecology offers users:
- Lifecycle Designer tool to instantly analyse, modify and prioritise design choices
- Compliance Navigator to review products against relevant regulations and standards
- EcoCompare to compare CO2 emissions, waste impacts and water consumption
- EcoDesign Quickstarts, a desktop checklist with tips and strategies for guidance
The environmental data within the tool is drawn from the ecoinvent database (v2) supplied by the Swiss Centre for Life Cycle Inventories
The tool will continue to evolve with new applications and increased levels of eco-design information.
For more information including subscription rates and details of the free trial, simply visit: http://www.productecologyonline.com/ or contact John Gertsakis by email or call +61 (0)4 09 422 089.