Exploring the Environmental and Social Dimensions of Materials in Products
In this tutorial, we will examine a product to understand the tradeoffs between social, environmental, and economic impacts and functionality of the product, when selecting a material. We will use Ansys Granta EduPack™, teaching software for materials education, to perform an eco-audit and analyze how changes to the product’s component materials affect the lifecycle of the product. Examples of strategies to improve the most problematic phase are illustrated in the tutorial, which can include choosing an alternative material base on engineering performance. Then by identifying the possible supplying nations of the material we can anticipate potential concerns on the social dimension of sustainability.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of the material life-cycle
- Ability to use Eco Audits in the design process
- Ability to use social impact audits in the design process
Applicable Courses for Use
- Senior Design
- Materials and Sustainable Development
- Sustainability for Industrial Design
Related Resources
Paper: Social Life-Cycle Assessment and Social Impact Audit Tool | Ansys
Ansys Academic Social Impact Audit Tool | Education Resource
Eco Design and the Eco Audit Tool | Ansys Education Resources
