Eco-Design and Ecological Transition

2Eco-design: Definitions and Theoretical Outlines

We have noted the growth of pollution associated with industrialization and the capitalist mode of production. As a source of short-, medium- and long-term pollutants, it weakens the living conditions of current and future generations. Companies are capable of producing the goods and services of our daily lives in a different way: this is innovation. They can also produce with a reduced environmental impact compared to conventional production methods: this is environmental innovation. We propose going further. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze a design method that is a source of environmental innovation: eco-design, which aims to limit the environmental impact associated with a product from its design to its end-of-life.

In the first section, we will show that the term eco-design covers two main categories of practices: on the one hand, technocentric eco-design, where technology is privileged, and, on the other hand, sustainable design, which combines economic, environmental and social dimensions. In a second section, we will analyze the first form, which dominates in companies. Finally, in a third section, we will study the other forms of environmental innovation by defining the contribution of eco-design.

2.1. Eco-design: a plural concept

The concept of eco-design has evolved around two approaches: technocentric eco-design, according to which technology can reduce environmental impact, and sustainable design, based ...