The first step to sustainable design is to consider a product, service or system in relation to eco-design and analyse its impact using life cycle analysis.

The designer then develops these to minimize environmental impacts identified from this analysis. Considering sustainability from the beginning of the process is essential.

• Green design versus sustainable design

• Datschefski’s five principles of sustainable design: cyclic, solar, safe, efficient, social

• The differences between green design and sustainable design

• Comparison of timescale between green design and sustainable design

Datschefski’s five principles of sustainable design equip the designer with a tool not only to design new products, but also to evaluate an existing product. This can lead to new design opportunities and increase the level at which a product aligns with these principles.