Ecofitting Circular Economy: An alternative approach to market, consumption, and design towards zero emissions

This paper reports the initial findings of the Ecofitting. The project proposes a new circular economy strategy to contribute towards zero-emissions in a sustainable manner by retrofitting the existing fleet of ICE cars. Requirements for Ultra Low Emission vehicles will create a fleet of 15 million non-compliant ICE cars in the UK alone which is currently expected to be exported, recycled, or disposed of. Ecofitting may not only benefit the individual OEM, but the wider supply chain and ultimately the wider economy by developing an entire ecosystem around remanufacturing, redistribution, repair, reuse, refurbishment, and design.Ecofitting proposes an alternative strategy that not only involves the electrification of this fleet but, importantly, the customisation and personalisation of these vehicles to create desirability, promote behavioural change, and long-term ownership. As such, design is at the heart of this new strategy. The research identified trends in automotive design, lifestyle, and behaviour of the next generation of consumers that can support an alternative approach to automotive design. It concludes by proposing that Ecofitting design shall reflect values of sustainability in aesthetics.