Page 47 - Jan Krueger

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN THE RELEVANCE OF REBOUND EFFECTS

3D MODELLING - JAN KRÜGER FROM A DESIGN PERSPECTIVE.

Rebound effects as discussed in this literature review are an unintended

consequence of an achieved increase in resource efficiency, that

counteracts the desired reduction in overall resource consumption. This

effect is important to consider, since this means that single-mindedly

striving for more and more efficiency in the name of environmentalism

may not lead to a greener environment.

In economics, it has long been know that improving efficiency may not lead

to reduced consumption, but the very opposite might be true. In recent

history this knowledge has spread over many different disciplines. In this

process the definition of rebound effects has shifted and taken new forms,

depending on the area of focus that it is applied to. Researchers discuss

for example the impact of EREs (Environmental rebound effects and CERs

(Circular Economy Rebounds) since they might be a determining factor in

discussing the effectiveness of new more ecological concepts such as the

circular economy. Designers also play an important role in this ecological

shift of our economies. Providing tools to estimate and mitigate possible

rebound effects could have a positive impact on the sustainability of a new

product. Such tools would be integrated LCAs (Life Cycle Assessment)

Tools or new test grounds such as the pilot project “living labs” in which

the environmental and social side effects of new products can be studied

in more detail.