Eco Processes
Engagement of Biomimetic technology & Biomimic processes concerning: sourcing / manufacturing / packaging / distribution / selling / biointegration & re-integration
Orientation: Systems – how ecologically advanced are the systems that enable this service to exist?
Context statement: Nature’s core structure consists of producers, consumers and decomposers, all of which are incredibly efficient and dependable parts of the service chain. Nature’s systems operate with full utilisation incurring no nett waste and creating aesthetic natural beauty while continuing on a pathway of further evolution.
Guiding Question: Firstly, from the localised work environment and then secondly, throughout the Biospherically Correct Service Management Chain (BCSMC), how extensively do the design principles and system processes inherent to this service benefit and sustain nature?
Sourcing
How well do the processes and design principles inherent to the sourcing of raw ingredients and materials, applicable to this service, sustain nature?
Orientation: Concern for localised eco-systems and people. See Diversity Protection for direction of eco-processes that might interlock with such aims.
Manufacturing
How well do the processes and design principles inherent in the manufacturing of this product sustain nature?
Industrial process’ designed to reduce waste and avoid environmental and atmospheric pollution.
Orientation: great concern surrounds manufacturing processes which do not handle waste well and pollute air and water. Closed loop systems whereby manufacturing waste is contained and then recycled, avoiding discharge outside of the processing plant. Chemicals used are either non toxic or chosen because they exist in a certain form that is less harmful to human health. New industry standards are being developed in conjunction with certification programmes that allow consumers to choose services which are guaranteed to have been made in ways that sustain nature, e.g organic certification for food and textiles.
Packaging
How well do the processes and design principles inherent in the packaging of this product sustain nature?
Orientation: The principles of eco design embody a philosophy of zero waste, bio integration, reduced embodied energy and provision for deconstruction. Themes of minimal packaging, biodegradable packaging, compostable packaging, soy inks, recycled/sustainable forest papaer & card. For example, making aluminium from raw materials uses a lot of energy, whereas the recycling of existing aluminium embodies a much lower use of resources and energy. Services that are purposefully designed for deconstruction are better able to be repaired and maintained, extending their life and reducing the energy demand on the planet. ‘Closed loop’ design of services ensures that all components are able to be reused or harmlessly re-integrated back into the environment eliminating waste and reducing refuse. Leading edge printing companies are now commonly using materials such as recycled paper along with adhesives and inks which are either biodegradable or compostable. Biodegradable films or wrappings are also now more commonly used.
Distribution
How well do the processes and design principles inherent in the distribution of this service sustain nature?
Orientation: The utilization of ‘green’ low emission forms of transport. Hybrid cars and vehicles employing alternative power sources must become more widely used throughout the freight forwarding industry. Some courier companies are leading the way with carbon neutral initiatives such Carbon Credits. The Carbon Credits concept is one way of restoring the balance of natural environmental health. ‘Credits’ bought are used to off set any environmental impact that may result for the existence of a particular service.
The development of strategies that reduce distance travelled and handling while maximising storage efficiency are part of commitment that must emerge from within the industry of logistics and transportation. For example; a revolutionary bottle design which means that packing and storage space is optimised due to its unique shape.
Marketing, advertising, point of purchase
How well do the processes and design principles inherent to the sale of this service sustain nature?
Orientation: The office, retail shop or production company can also engage many eco processes in the immediate work environment, greenifying with such things as recycling paper, proper E waste disposal, composting facilities, the use of eco- products and supplies in the canteen, a renewable energy supplier, solar power, water catchment, green roof etc.
Bio-integration & re-integration
How well do the processes and design principles inherent to the bio- integration and re - integration of this service sustain nature?
Orientation: Waste is now saturating our world, from land contaminated with E waste (discarded electronics) to our 5 gyres (ocean vortexes) suffering from concentrated plastic pollution. Even space has become a waste land as a result of human activity with about 19,000 pieces of debris larger than 5 cm and another 300,000 pieces smaller than 1 cm circling our Earth. Bio-integration & re-integration are the terms for the final stages of the service; re-birthing materials back into the resource pool in order to be utilised again: de-constructing, recycling, composting is necessary to bring the service full circle- or cradle to cradle. Designing with such practises as Design for Deconstruction and a Zero Waste strategy.
Development initiative required : Eco Processes tool box