An evaluation tool for eco-design of electrical products

This paper describes a design-for-environment evaluation tool, D4N, which enables DFE to be integrated into the conventional design process. This is achieved by accessing existing electronically stored 3D CAD data for a product, extracting as much information as possible from the CAD data before consulting databases for default information. In this way, required designer input can be minimised. D4N goes beyond life cycle analysis to include all end-of-life issues and evaluates designs both ecologically and economically. It provides guidelines for re-design, some of which are incorporated into the tool in order to semi-automate the redesign process.