EvoukeEco : 8 Sustainable Design Principles for Mission-Driven Businesses
At Evouke, we understand how daunting it can be to navigate the complex world of eco-friendly design, whether you're a smaller startup or a large corporation in healthcare, tech or other mission-driven businesses. There isn't one approach or system that suits all, and even when we want to implement sustainable values and principles into our work, it can seem overwhelming. The internet is vast, and sometimes we just don't have time to sift through all the information and understand it. That's why we've launched Evouke Eco, a blog series that will explore this topic by conducting research and sharing it with our audience. Throughout the year, we'll be sharing our systems, thinking, research, and collating information for businesses to openly use to achieve their sustainability goals. We'll provide clear direction for larger corporations while supporting smaller startups to make a positive impact on the planet.
In this blog, we'll lay out 8 core principles that all businesses, whether small or big, can understand and work towards. These principles will provide a framework for creating sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. However, we'll also delve deeper into these principles in future blogs from the perspective of startups and larger corporations, to ensure that all businesses can make a positive impact on the environment. Now, let's dive into the important stuff!
Principle One: Use Sustainable Materials in Tech Hardware
Using sustainable materials in tech hardware is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of our devices. The manufacturing of electronic products consumes significant amounts of energy, water, and resources, and generates large amounts of waste and carbon emissions. By choosing sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics, bioplastics, and natural materials, we can reduce the use of non-renewable resources and minimize our carbon footprint.
Company Approach Example:
Google's Nest Thermostat E is made from recycled plastic bottles, and Dell's Latitude 7320 laptop has a bioplastic keyboard made from renewable materials. These are just a few examples of how tech companies are using sustainable materials to reduce their environmental impact.
Implementation Strategy:
Assess current materials: Start by assessing the materials used in your current tech hardware products. Identify which materials are sustainable and which ones are not. This will help you understand the environmental impact of your products.
Select sustainable brands: When purchasing hardware and office equipment, select brands that prioritize sustainability and have a track record of using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, for example, Dell offers a range of sustainable laptops, desktops, and monitors, and has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030.
Set goals: Set goals for using more sustainable materials in your future products. This could include a certain percentage of recycled materials, or a goal to use bioplastics instead of traditional plastics.
Research and consider new materials: Work with a team to research and consider new sustainable materials that could be used in your products. Look for materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and have a low environmental impact.
Collaborate with suppliers: Collaborate with your suppliers to identify and source sustainable materials. This could include negotiating contracts for recycled materials or working with suppliers to develop new materials that meet your sustainability goals.
Choose eco-friendly office equipment: When purchasing office equipment, such as computers and printers, choose models that have a low carbon footprint and are energy-efficient. Look for certifications such as Energy Star and EPEAT that indicate eco-friendliness.
Principle Two: Reduce Energy Consumption in Data Centers
We understand that principles can be confusing because they're wrapped up in terminology we don't always understand. Don't worry, we're here to help break it down for you. One important principle to consider is reducing energy consumption in data centres. Data centres require a significant amount of electricity to power their servers, cooling systems, and other equipment. This electricity is often generated from fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases when burned. Additionally, the high demand for energy in data centres can strain local power grids, leading to the use of less efficient, carbon-intensive backup generators during periods of peak demand. All of these factors contribute to the carbon emissions associated with data centres.
Company Approach Example:
In 2019, Google announced that it had achieved a major milestone by matching 100% of its energy consumption with renewable energy purchases. Google has also implemented energy-efficient designs in their data centres, such as using advanced cooling systems and using machine learning algorithms to optimize energy usage. Additionally, Google has committed to achieving carbon-free energy by 2030, demonstrating its long-term commitment to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Implementation Strategy:
Research and select an external data centre: that prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainability in its operations.
Analyze your current data usage and requirements: to determine the most efficient and appropriate size of server space and power usage needed.
Optimize your software and hardware configurations to reduce energy consumption, including virtualization and load balancing.
Use energy-efficient equipment, such as Energy Star-certified servers and cooling systems, and consider using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power your equipment.
Implement ongoing monitoring and management of energy usage and efficiency in the data centre, regularly reviewing and adjusting strategies as needed to maintain optimal performance and sustainability.
Principle Three: Design for Durability and Reusability in Digital Product
As designers and creators of digital products, we have a responsibility to consider the entire lifecycle of our products, from initial design to eventual disposal. Designing for durability and reusability can have a significant impact on reducing waste and carbon emissions, as well as fostering a more responsible relationship between users and their products.
According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, extending the lifespan of a product by just nine extra months can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30%. By designing products that are durable and can be easily repaired, upgraded or repurposed, we can significantly reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills or is shipped off to developing countries.
Company Approach Examples:
Fairphone is a Dutch social enterprise that produces sustainable smartphones. Their modular design allows for easy repair and replacement of parts, extending the lifespan of the phone. Fairphone uses responsibly sourced materials like recycled copper and fair trade gold to reduce their environmental impact and ensure ethical working conditions. By designing for durability and reusability, Fairphone encourages users to take a responsible approach to their smartphones and reduce electronic waste.
Implementation Strategy:
Conduct a product audit: Start by examining the entire lifecycle of your digital product, from production to disposal, to identify areas where you can improve durability and reusability.
Use modular design: Incorporate modular design principles into your product development process, which allows for easy replacement and repair of individual parts, and promotes longer product lifespans.
Consider materials: Use materials that are recyclable and environmentally friendly, and avoid materials that are difficult to recycle or have a negative impact on the environment.
Educate users: Provide users with information on how to repair and maintain their digital products, and encourage them to take a more responsible approach to their usage.
Support responsible disposal: Establish a system for responsible disposal of digital products at the end of their life, such as offering take-back programs or working with certified e-waste recycling facilities.
Principle Four: Encourage Sustainable Behaviour through Design
As business owners, entrepreneurs and founders, we have an incredible power to influence the choices and behaviours of our users. By incorporating behaviour change models into our designs, we can encourage more sustainable behaviours and promote positive change. According to a study by Unilever, a third of consumers are now choosing to buy from brands based on their social and environmental impact. This means that as companies, whether big or small, we have a responsibility to promote sustainable behaviour and use our voices to advocate for positive change. By doing so, not only can we have a positive impact on our users, but we can also inspire other businesses to follow suit and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Company Approach Examples:
For example, the NHS App encourages users to reduce their carbon footprint by offering digital alternatives to paper-based processes, such as booking appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions. By promoting the use of digital services, the NHS is not only reducing its environmental impact but also improving convenience and accessibility for patients. Additionally, the app provides information on how to make sustainable lifestyle choices, such as walking and cycling more often instead of driving.
Implementation Strategy:
Identify the target behaviour: Determine what behaviour you want to encourage among your audience or users, such as reducing waste or conserving energy.
Understand the barriers: Research and identify the obstacles that prevent people from adopting sustainable behaviours, such as lack of awareness or incentives.
Use behaviour change models: Incorporate behaviour change models, such as the "COM-B" model, which looks at three factors: capability, opportunity, and motivation, to design interventions that encourage sustainable behaviour.
Design for sustainability: Consider sustainability throughout the design process of your systems, products, and services. Make sustainable options more visible and accessible to encourage their use.
Communicate and educate: Use marketing and communication strategies to promote sustainable behaviours and educate your audience or users on the benefits and impact of their actions. Make it easy for them to understand how they can take action.
Monitor and adjust: Track the success of your interventions and make adjustments as necessary to continually improve and encourage sustainable behaviour.
Principle Five: Promote Biodiversity in Tech Infrastructure
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms and ecosystems that exist on Earth, and it is essential to protect it for the health and survival of our planet. However, the growth of technology infrastructure has put increasing pressure on biodiversity. Land use changes, pollution, and climate change associated with tech infrastructure have negatively impacted biodiversity, causing habitat destruction and fragmentation, species decline, and loss of ecosystem services.
Promoting biodiversity in tech infrastructure is crucial to ensure that the development of technology does not contribute further to the loss of biodiversity. By protecting and enhancing biodiversity, we can create a more resilient, sustainable, and livable environment for all living beings.
Company Approach Examples:
Aleutia, is a UK-based computer manufacturer that specializes in producing low-energy computers for use in schools and small businesses. Aleutia promotes biodiversity in its tech infrastructure by using sustainable materials and responsible manufacturing practices, such as using recycled materials and reducing energy consumption during production. They also partner with organizations that promote environmental sustainability and biodiversity, such as the World Wildlife Fund and donate a portion of their profits to support conservation efforts.
Implementation Strategy:
Conduct a biodiversity assessment: Before making any changes to your tech infrastructure, it's important to assess the impact it's currently having on biodiversity. Identify any areas where your tech infrastructure is having a negative impact and areas where you could promote biodiversity.
Use sustainable materials: Whenever possible, use sustainable materials in your tech infrastructure. This could include using renewable energy sources, biodegradable materials, or materials that have been responsibly sourced.
Partner with environmental organizations: Partner with environmental organizations to support initiatives that promote biodiversity. This could include supporting habitat restoration projects or sponsoring research into the impact of tech infrastructure on biodiversity.
Principle Six: Design for Recycling in Tech Hardware
Design for Recycling in Tech Hardware is essential to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. While we know that recycling is important, it's not always clear where to source products that are recyclable or how to recycle them. Designers can play a crucial role by considering the entire product, including its internal and external components and packaging, to ensure that it can be easily disassembled and recycled. In addition, designers can streamline the recycling experience for users by clearly communicating how to recycle the product and where to take it. By designing for recycling, we can minimize the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills and continue building a more sustainable future with the work of the product provider and user together.
Company Approach Examples:
Dell has also redesigned its products to make them easier to recycle, with easily separable parts and labelling to identify the materials used. Furthermore, Dell has streamlined the recycling experience for its customers by providing easy-to-use online tools to help them recycle their old electronics. Dell also offers free take-back programs to make it more convenient for customers to recycle their old electronics.
Implementation Strategy:
Consider the entire product lifecycle: Design for the entire product lifecycle, including internal components, external materials, and packaging. Use easily recyclable materials and design for disassembly.
Work with suppliers: Collaborate with suppliers to source environmentally sustainable materials and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.
Communicate recycling instructions: Clearly communicate recycling instructions on the packaging and provide accessible resources online, such as QR codes or links to recycling centres.
Streamline recycling: Partner with electronics recycling companies and offer free or discounted recycling services to incentivize proper disposal.
Design for a circular economy: Design for a circular economy by enabling products to be easily repaired, refurbished, and reused. Offer refurbished products at a lower price point.
Measure progress: Establish KPIs to track progress and regularly report to stakeholders.
Principle Seven: Reduce Carbon Footprint in Tech Operations
Reducing the carbon footprint in tech operations is crucial because these operations contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, which have a harmful impact on the environment. Tech operations encompass all aspects of the technology industry, from data centres to manufacturing and transportation. To reduce carbon footprint in tech operations, businesses can implement sustainable design practices, such as using renewable energy sources, optimizing server utilization, and reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient hardware and software design.
Company Approach Examples:
DigitalOcean is a cloud infrastructure provider that has made sustainability a key part of its mission. To reduce its carbon footprint, the company has implemented several initiatives, such as purchasing renewable energy credits and investing in energy-efficient infrastructure. DigitalOcean also uses efficient hardware designs and regularly evaluates its data centres to ensure they are using energy as efficiently as possible. By taking these steps, DigitalOcean has been able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while still providing high-quality cloud infrastructure services to its customers.
Implementation Strategy:
Energy-efficient equipment: Choose energy-efficient equipment and devices, such as laptops, servers, and cooling systems, to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
Renewable energy: Transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power data centres and other tech infrastructure.
Virtual collaboration: Promote virtual collaboration and telecommuting to reduce employee commute-related emissions.
Sustainable office practices: Implement sustainable office practices, such as reducing paper usage, recycling, and composting, to reduce the environmental impact of office operations.
Green procurement: Consider environmental criteria, such as energy efficiency and emissions reduction, when selecting suppliers and purchasing products and services.
Principle Eight: Minimize Waste and Emissions in Tech Manufacturing
As companies strive to become more sustainable, it's essential to consider waste reduction in all aspects of their operations. From day-to-day office practices to product design and material sourcing, minimizing waste and emissions is critical to achieving a more sustainable future. In the tech industry, the production of electronics and other high-tech products generates significant amounts of waste and emissions, contributing to environmental degradation. According to a 2019 report, e-waste generated globally amounted to 53.6 million metric tons, and this is projected to increase to 74.7 million metric tons by 2030. To address this issue, businesses must adopt strategies to minimize waste and emissions in their tech manufacturing processes.
Company Approach Examples:
Field Intelligence, is a Nigerian-based startup that designs and manufactures custom medical supply chain management solutions. The company has implemented a number of sustainable practices throughout their manufacturing process, such as reducing waste and optimizing its supply chain to minimize emissions. They have also implemented an innovative rental model for their medical devices, where healthcare facilities can rent the devices rather than buying them outright, reducing the need for additional manufacturing and reducing waste in the long term.
Implementation Strategy:
Conduct a waste audit: Perform an audit of your company's waste streams to identify areas where waste can be reduced or eliminated. This can help you understand where you can make the biggest impact in terms of waste reduction.
Implement a closed-loop manufacturing process: Aim to create a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimizes waste and emissions by reusing materials and minimizing the use of virgin materials. This can be achieved through the use of recycled or sustainable materials and designing for disassembly to facilitate recycling and reuse.
Reduce energy consumption: Implement energy-efficient practices in manufacturing facilities, such as upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, optimizing production processes, and using renewable energy sources.
Engage suppliers: Encourage suppliers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, such as reducing packaging waste, using sustainable materials, and minimizing emissions in their manufacturing processes.
Educate employees: Educate employees on waste reduction and sustainability best practices. This can include training on proper waste management, reducing energy consumption, and promoting sustainable transportation options.
Conclusion
By taking the time to read this blog, you have already taken the first step towards implementing more sustainable practices into your business. This is a commendable effort that deserves recognition. We understand that the information presented in this blog can be overwhelming, but we do not intend to discourage you from taking action. Instead, we encourage you to focus on a few principles that resonate with you and start thinking, discussing, exploring, and implementing them into your business.
Sharing this knowledge with your team and discussing it in a meeting can be an excellent starting point. You could also consider aligning each principle with two team members and having weekly or monthly check-ins to monitor progress. Remember, the key is not to get overwhelmed and become disengaged but to strategize one step at a time and measure and reflect on your impact.
Incorporating sustainable practices into your business is not only beneficial for the environment, but it also creates a sense of ownership and purpose amongst your team members. Celebrate your achievements, take ownership of your efforts, and keep making positive changes towards a sustainable future. We hope this blog has inspired you to take action and become part of the sustainability movement.
