The value of adding design-for-the-environment to pollution prevention assistance options

The design stage of product development, recognized as key for determining costs and profitability, is also an unparalleled window of opportunity to champion the environment. During this early stage key materials, process, and energy source decisions determine the environmental impacts of a product for its entire life cycle. Integration of environmental factors into design is an emerging trend known as design-for-the-environment (DfE), ecodesign, or life-cycle design. From this perspective, designers gain inherent drivers for optimizing design and efficient use of resources. The intent of this article is to inspire expansion of pollution prevention assistance portfolio options to include DfE.