Ecodesign as a Driver of Innovation in the Baltic Sea Region (EcoDesign Circle)
A key aim of ecodesign is to reduce to a minimum the overall environmental impact of a product or service. It refers to innovative design solutions in both products and services that take into consideration the entire lifecycle – from the extraction of raw materials to production, distribution and use – all the way to recycling, “reparability”, and disposal.
Minimisation of pollutants during the production period is just as important as it is during the product’s lifetime. However, ecodesign is an elastic and evolving concept that is better considered as an approach to design than as a label for eco-friendly products.
The use of energy-efficient and eco-friendly resources is certainly an important aspect, but the concept of ecodesign goes beyond this. It is a holistic approach, keeping in view environmental, social and economic benefits as well as aesthetically appealing and durable design. Ecodesign by its nature fosters innovation and promotes behavioural change in producers and consumers towards product-service systems and self-sufficiency. It envisions “ecologically-minded” thinking not as an add-on but as part of the fundamental design process right from the start. Once it has made the leap from theory to practice, ecodesign can help achieve the move towards a circular economy. In short, Ecodesign is good design that benefits people and the environment alike.
Challenge
A key aim of ecodesign is to reduce to a minimum the overall environmental impact of a product or service. It refers to innovative design solutions in both products and services that take into consideration the entire lifecycle – from the extraction of raw materials to production, distribution and use – all the way to recycling, “reparability”, and disposal.
There is a need to promote behavioural change and “ecologically-minded” thinking in producers and consumers towards product-service systems and self-sufficiency.
Target group
Designers and environmental experts, consumers
Solution
The project promotes sustainable design by strengthening the competences of design centres, small and medium sized enterprises, lecturers, professional designers and engineers in the field of ecodesign.
It aims to inspire by showcasing selected good cases, to overcome the hesitations entrepreneurs may have about ecodesign by demonstrating its market potential and to bridge the gap between the know-how of environmental scientists and the Ecodesign competences and awareness needed among designers.
Every year, Design Week takes place in different cities around the country to promote eco-mindedness among consumers.
Innovation
Sustainability in Fashion can become Fashion – a trend and a prospect.
Unique Selling Point
Ecologically minded designers and the regular exposition of the eco products they create promote eco fashion and its prospects.
VYTAUTAS GUREVIČIUS, director,
Tel.no.: +370 699 83242,
e-mail: gurevicius@dizainoforumas.lt
About project implementation in Lithuania: www.dizainoforumas.lt
www.ecodesigncircle.eu
www.sustainabilityguide.eu