IB Design Technology HL - Topic 8 (Sustainability)

At its most basic, this is the piecing together of components or systems in order to give rise to a more complex system or product. From a corporate strategy perspective, a bottom up strategy methodology means that the leadership level will determine the overall goals, but the workforce will assist in developing the mechanisms and ideas to meet that goal.

Five principles that facilitate a holistic approach to sustainable design: Cyclic; Solar; Safe; Efficient; Social.

Disconnecting two trends so that one no longer depends on the other. Through the act of decoupling (using resources more productively and redesigning production systems), it is technically possible to deliver the same or equivalent goods and services with lower environmental impact while maintaining social and equity benefits.

Individuals or groups that champion environmental issues within organizations.

Individuals or groups that champion environmental issues within organizations.

The labelling of products to demonstrate that they are better for the environment than other products.

Individuals or groups that actively resent talk of environmental protection.

Individuals or groups that actively demonstrate on environmental issues.

The labelling of products to show how energy efficient they are. The label displays information in four categories: the product's details; Energy classification that shows the product's electrical consumption; Measurements relating to consumption, efficiency and capacity etc.; Noise emitted from the product when in use.

The uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

The practice of consciously purchasing products and services produced in a way that minimises social and environmental damage, while avoiding those that have a negative impact on society and the environment.

A social and economic order and ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever greater amounts.

Macro energy sustainability involves large scale energy generation from non-exhaustive sources for international, national or large community use. Examples include hydroelectric power, wind, wave and geothermal energy generation.

Collections of individuals who hold a similar viewpoint on a particular topic, for example the environment, who take action to promote positive change to meet their goals.

Everyone involved in making, selling, buying or handling electronic equipment takes responsibility for minimizing environmental impact of the equipment at all stages in the life cycle.

A modernised electrical grid that uses analogue or digital information and communications technology to gather and act on information (such as behaviours of suppliers and consumers) in an automated fashion to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics and sustainability of the production and distribution of electricity. They can be national or international. International grids allow electricity generated in one country to be used in another.

A company report that focusses on four aspects of performance: Economic; Environmental; Social; and Governance.

The consumption of goods and services that have minimal environmental impact, promote social equity and economically viable, whilst meeting basic human needs worldwide.

Designing physical objects and services in accordance with the principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability

 Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Laws that require manufacturers to 'take-back' packaging and products at the end of use, requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for their disposal. Reasons for this legislation include to encourage the design of products and packaging that are easily and efficiently recycled, and to reduce waste.

At its most basic, this is the breaking down of a system into component parts. From a corporate strategy perspective, a top-down strategy means that the leadership level will determine the goals and how each department and/or individual employees will contribute to meet those goals.

An expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational success: economic, environmental and social.