Sustainability

The word sustainable is commonly held to mean something that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  Audiosigns aims for sustainability throughout the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and recycling stages of its products, services and processes.

Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) has been used to identify the environmental impact of all audiosigns’ operations.  This involves looking at the life-cycle impact of a product, service or process from raw material extraction, through manufacture and distribution through to end of life recycling or ultimate disposal.

The Design Process

Colin Chapman, the great motor racing engineer, and founder of Lotus Cars famously said “Simplify, then add lightness”.  This philosophy can be used to focus thinking when considering sustainability.  Audiosigns’ products are designed to be as simple and light as possible without compromising their strength, performance or reliability.  Careful consideration for natural resources limits their use at every stage in the product’s life-cycle; from raw material extraction all the way through to the end of the product’s life.

Eco-Design – Tools and Techniques

Audiosigns’ design techniques bring the added benefit of reducing packaging materials and also reducing the environmental impact of product distribution.  In addition to low raw material usage, materials have been selected for long life; for example all audiosigns’ enclosures are moulded from polymers which are fire retardant and resistant to damage by UV light. When the time comes, raw materials have also been selected for easy recyclability.  Packaging has been optimised to make maximum use of standard transport pallets and also maximum use of the space inside an aircraft’s hold.

Conclusions

The entire life-cycle of each audiosigns product has been considered. This lean approach to using the planet’s natural resources limits the negative impact of audiosign’s operations. In addition to the critical environmental and social benefits, sustainable design also reduces costs for producer and consumer.