Sustainable Design

This concept is basically taking the effect of what we're creating on the environment. It creates a design which doesn't cause too much damage to the environment but still comes out with an effective product at the end of production. There are certain principles to the design process which are generally followed to have the outcome they originally perceived. These are:

• ·         Low-Impacting materials
• ·         Energy Efficient
• ·         Valuable and Durable
• ·         Designed for reuse and recycling
• ·         Design Impact Measures for the Carbon footprint and life-cycle assessment are taken into account
• ·         Sustainable Design Standards and Project Design Guides
• ·         Bio mimicry
• ·         Service substitution
• ·         Renewability
• ·         Robust Ecological-Design

By following the guidelines that have been set out, the design of whatever product is to be created, can be less impactful on the environment as a whole. As they; use less natural resources, fewer limited resources (such as oil), less energy, don't directly or indirectly pollute the environment, and be use re-used at the end of their life cycle through recycling, the planet becomes effectively cleaner from what we can do.

It can be used in any capacity, from the biggest of companies, to how people design their homes. If the approach is taken across the globe, different factors such as health and money will change. While it might increase in cost, the overall effect it might help to, could be more beneficial for a a lot of aspects.

Technology, Architecture, Graphic Design, there already using this design process to effectively create their products.  Some definitions of particular subject areas which use sustainable design.

Architecture: "Sustainable architecture is the design of sustainable buildings. Sustainable architecture attempts to reduce the collective environmental impacts during the production of building components, during the construction process, as well as during the life cycle of the building (heating, electricity use, carpet cleaning etc.) This design practice emphasizes efficiency of heating and cooling systems; alternative energy sources such as solar hot water, appropriate building siting, reused or recycled building materials; on-site power generation - solar technology, ground source heat pumps, wind power; rainwater harvesting for gardening, washing and aquifer recharge; and on-site waste management such as green roofs that filter and control storm water runoff. This requires close cooperation of the design team, the architects, the engineers, and the client at all project stages, from site selection, scheme formation, material selection and procurement, to project implementation"

Graphic Design: "Sustainable graphic design considers the environmental impacts of graphic design products (such as packaging, printed materials, publications, etc.) throughout a life cycle that includes: raw material; transformation; manufacturing; transportation; use; and disposal. Techniques for sustainable graphic design include: reducing the amount of materials required for production; using paper and materials made with recycled, post-consumer waste; printing with low-VOC inks; and using production and distribution methods that require the least amount of transport."

The use of this design process really shows in all types of contemporary design. With different medias and aspects following what others are doing, it might overall change how projects are developed. Making certain rare substances be less used and making the environment a cleaner place. Is it really that effective when it comes to the cost it takes to do it. Personally I believe, by using this method now, in the future aspects such as money, it will become easier.