Introduction to Design for Sustainability
| Module title | Introduction to Design for Sustainability |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENS3016 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Wei Zhang (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
Design can be an incredibly beneficial tool to uncover hidden insights and address challenges of sustainability in a net-zero emission future. This module will introduce the concepts, approaches, and tools you need to get started with shaping a better sustainable world.
You will learn the fundamental principles and basic frameworks of design for sustainability. Technologies such as design for X, life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, data analytics, and uncertainty quantifications will be studied. You will have a chance to explore how advanced design strategies, e.g. data-driven, bioinspiration, artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, etc., can address sustainability challenges. Moreover, you will gain an advantage in developing innovative solutions to practical problems.
The module is suitable for non-specialist students.
The module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is to help you develop a general understanding of the basic concepts and principles of the Design for Sustainability (DfS) and its applications from a systemic perspective. You will be able to practice your knowledge of the DfS to address real-world problems. The knowledge, skills, and advantages you acquire in this module, by using the frameworks and tools of the DfS, will stand you in an enviable position in future exploration.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Develop a comprehensive knowledge of core principles and theories underpinning DfS, encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. (C7, M7)
- 2. Foster a system thinking approach to understand the interconnection of design strategies and their broader implications on sustainability. (C6, M6)
- 3. Apply acquired knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios, engaging with industry practices and challenges to implement DfS solutions. (C2, M2)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand the key elements of Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Closed-Loop supply chains within the broader Operations and Supply Chain Management framework. (M7)
- 5. Analyse business needs and identify suitable approaches to meet sustainability requirements. (M13)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Demonstrate teamwork spirit, report writing, and presentation skills. (C16, M16)
Syllabus plan
Overview of design for sustainability
1. Sustainability: environmental, economic, and social challenges
2. Design for X
3. Systems thinking
4. DfS concepts:
- What are sustainable development goals?
- What is DfS? Why it matters?
5. DfS technologies:
- Life cycle analysis
- Material flow analysis
- Data analytics
- Uncertainty quantification
Basic DfS approaches
1. Ecodesign
2. Ecoefficiency
3. Product-service systems
4. Circular economy
Advanced DfS approaches
1. Bio-inspired DfS
2. Data-driven DfS
3. AI-based DfS
4. Digital twins-accelerated DfS
5. Reliability assessment
Policies and directives
DfS tools
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 | Lectures, drop-ins, and seminar(s) |
| Guided Independent Study | 128 | Individual Study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not applicable |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam - Closed book | 60 | 2 hours | 1-5 | Exam mark |
| Coursework - Group case study | 40 | Up to 15 minutes of group presentation | 1-6 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| All above | Written exam (100%) | 1-6 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- C Vezzoli. Design for Environmental Sustainability: Life cycle Design of Products, 2nd edition, 2018. ISBN: 9781447173632
- F Ceschin and I Gaziulusoy. Design for Sustainability: A Multi-Level Framework from Products to Socio-Technical Systems, Routledge, 2019. ISBN: 9780429456510
Optional reading:
- T Bhamra and V Lofthouse. Design for Sustainability: A Practical Approach, 2008. ISBN: 9780566087042
- R Egenhoefer. Handbook of Sustainable Design, 2nd edition, Routledge, 2024. ISBN: 9781032430331
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | ECM1102 Core Engineering or equivalent |
| Module co-requisites | None. |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Last revision date | 20/02/2025 |
