Topic Selection
The topic selected for this assignment is the problem of energy-wasting. The rationale for the choice of this topic is presented by various studies in the field that outline the significance of the issue. For instance, Murray et al. (2016) report that the world’s population contributes to the inefficient use of energy regularly due to inappropriate habits, the use of kitchen appliances in particular. Many individuals are not aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, which results in the adverse effect of their behavior. Jabłońska, Jursová & Billewicz (2015) add that there is a significant need for change in the global population’s perceptions and habits as many people are not concerned about energy conservation. The purpose of this report is to identify the options for making a change in the field and minimizing the effects of the problem using appropriate evaluation tools.
Research and Definition
To explore options for making a change, it is necessary to utilize systems thinking approach. The initial perception of the problem’s impact on a sustainable world is that energy-wasting and overuse contribute to the accelerating of climate change and global warming. The reason for it is that, for instance, electricity generation consumes much coal, natural gas, oil, and other sources of energy. The use of each type of energy, in its turn, results in a higher level of greenhouse gas emissions (Shan et al., 2016). It is evident that these factors do not allow for sustainability and affect each individual, too, causing increased costs of energy and a shorter lifespan of appliances. To resolve this problem or minimize its effects, sustainable design should be implemented (Your roadmap for sustainable design n.d.).
The primary evaluation tool selected for this report is the five principles outlined by Datschefski (2001), which allow for assessing the sustainability of the issue. The author reports the main concepts in the design of sustainable products are cyclic, solar, safe, efficient, and social. The first one means that sustainable design should incorporate organic materials and be compostable or recyclable. The second concept refers to the products’ features related to the use of renewable energy (Datschefski 2001). The safety requirement underlines that products should be non-toxic; the manufacturing process should not involve the disruption of ecosystems and the utilization of toxic materials too. According to the fourth requirement, efficient designs should require little materials, energy, and water for production (Datschefski 2001). Finally, the social category implies that products should align with basic human rights. The use of this tool was determined by the fact that the author’s ideas allow for assessing designs and products from a multifaceted perspective. The five principles consider both environmental and social impacts of production and aim to prevent harm caused by production and use.
Addressing Focal Question
System (Stakeholder) Map
Sustainability SWOT
To analyze the problem in detail, it is vital to address the past and present trends in energy waste. The World Energy Council (2016) reports that past trends in the field were characterized by the decreased use of renewable energy along with significantly higher costs of electricity. The use of technologies in 2000 was significantly less widespread compared to present days; for instance, today, 75% of all coal plants globally utilize subcritical technology (World Energy Council 2016). It is possible to say that the past trends in energy use show a high level of inefficiency. However, present trends also reveal challenges to sustainability. For example, Caetano et al. (2017) report that current tendencies include the unsustainability of energy consumption and production because most of the used sources are not renewable and cause high adverse impacts in the environmental, economic, and societal dimensions. In addition, it is possible to say that the availability of clean energy can be seen as a primary modern concern that prevents sustainable change. The Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis can be utilized to analyze where the problems in the past and current situations lie.
Summary
The use of analytical tools allows for the conclusion that, currently, the past trends in energy waste and their outcomes resulted in changes in the present perspectives on the issues. However, individuals’ behaviors can be considered highly unsustainable because there are no particular regulations related to energy waste. Individuals show a low level of awareness of the potential results of the problem and irresponsible behavior; thus, the topic area shows unsustainability. The Designer’s Roadmap suggests that it is vital to implement designs that will protect and restore the environment (Your roadmap for sustainable design n.d.). Future action should focus on the development of strategies for change and improvement.
Reference List
Caetano, NS, Mata, TM, Martins, AA & Felgueiras, MC 2017, ‘New trends in energy production and utilization’, Energy Procedia, vol. 107, pp. 7-14.
Datschefski, E 2001, The total beauty of sustainable products, Rotovision, London.
JabÅ‚oÅ„ska, M, Jursová, S & Billewicz, K 2015, ‘A split personality?–differences in people’s behavior in the field of energy conservation at home and in the workplace’, Rynek Energii, vol. 5, no. 120, pp. 119-123.
Murray, DM, Liao, J, Stankovic, L & Stankovic, V 2016, ‘Understanding usage patterns of electric kettle and energy saving potential’, Applied Energy, vol. 171, pp. 231-242.
Shan, Y, Liu, J, Liu, Z, Xu, X, Shao, S, Wang, P & Guan, D 2016, ‘New provincial CO2 emission inventories in China based on apparent energy consumption data and updated emission factors’, Applied Energy, vol. 184, pp. 742-750.
World Energy Council 2016, World energy resources, Web.
Your roadmap for sustainable design n.d., Web.