Designers have a responsibility to reduce the impact on the environment felt by the design, manufacture and use of designs. It is now widely accepted that the continual consumption of the Earth's resources has had a profoundly damaging effect on the environment. Designers respond to environmental concerns by adopting sustainable practices with regard to materials and energy and reducing waste by incorporating eco-friendly materials to minimise pollution. Designers tackle environmental concerns through social innovation, designing products and systems that address community needs while also being environmentally friendly.

Environmental factors refer to how the production and use of design outcomes impact the environment. Designers consider the materials used, carbon emissions in shipping and manufacturing, and the product's sustainability during its lifecycle.

Environmental Factors:

• Natural resources and sustainable materials

• Energy efficiency and renewable energy

• Pollution and waste reduction

• Environmental regulations and standards

• Circular Design Practices

There are many ways socially responsible designers can contribute to improving the environment. Some examples of environmental factors that influence designers' decisions are shown below.

SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Designers choose materials that have a lower environmental footprint, such as recycled, upcycled, or renewable materials. For example, fashion designers may use organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester in their clothing lines. 

SUSTAINABLE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Product designers focus on energy-efficient designs that consume less power or utilise renewable energy sources. This can apply to anything from appliances and electronics to architectural designs. Architects and urban planners incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems into their designs to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Architects also design buildings with energy-efficient features, green roofs, and optimal natural lighting and ventilation to reduce energy consumption. Urban designers work on creating sustainable, walkable, and bike-friendly cities that reduce the need for excessive car use and promote public transportation. Buildings designed with passive cooling systems and using renewable energy sources consume less energy and contribute less pollution.

WATER EFFICIENCY

Designers consider water conservation by developing products that use less water, such as low-flow faucets, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving appliances.

POLLUTION

WASTE REDUCTION

Designers work to minimise waste throughout the product lifecycle. They may create products that are easier to disassemble for recycling or repurposing. Packaging designers opt for sustainable and recyclable materials in packaging solutions by using biodegradable materials or reducing excess packaging. Designers conduct assessments to understand the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle. They use the principles of Circular Design to create products that can be easily repaired, upgraded, or repurposed, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new products. For instance, modular furniture that can be reconfigured or repaired is a form of circular design.

INSPIRATION FROM THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Designers have understood the benefits of the natural environment to human health and well-being. Everyone loves a garden to soften the built environment. Biophilic design incorporates nature and natural elements into the built environment in functional ways. It's used in architecture, interior design, and urban planning to improve well-being and connect people with nature.

Taking inspiration from nature even further, designers use principles of biomimicry to draw inspiration from nature's solutions and create more sustainable products and systems. For example, aerodynamic designs inspired by bird wings can lead to more energy-efficient transportation.