Eco Audits and Selection Strategies for Eco Design


Eco Audits and Selection Strategies for Eco Design
Published in:	Engineering for a Smarter Planet: Innovation, ITC, and Computational Tools for Sustainable Development: Proceedings of the 9th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference:	August 3-5, 2011
Location of Conference:	Medellin, Colombia
Authors:	Chaouki Ghenai
Refereed Paper:	#213

Abstract
This paper introduces the methods and tools that will guide in the design analysis of the role of materials and processes selection in terms of embodied energy, carbon foot print, recycle fraction, toxicity and sustainability criteria. As engineers we need to use our particular skills to guide design decisions that minimize or eliminate adverse eco impacts. The CES EduPack software is used in this study for better understanding of these issues, create material charts, perform materials and processes selection, and eco audit or life cycle analysis allowing alternative design choices to meet the engineering requirements and reduce the environmental burden. The results of the life cycle analysis of patio heater and 2 MW wind turbine are presented in this paper.