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| report:sus [2026/04/12 20:53] – [Life Cycle Analysis] team6 | report:sus [2026/04/20 17:43] (current) – [Environmental] epsatisep | ||
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| The cocoon uses aluminium and brass, which are good choices in terms of sustainability because they are very durable and highly recyclable. Aluminium, especially, can be recycled many times without losing quality, which fits well with circular design principles. | The cocoon uses aluminium and brass, which are good choices in terms of sustainability because they are very durable and highly recyclable. Aluminium, especially, can be recycled many times without losing quality, which fits well with circular design principles. | ||
| - | However, materials like acoustic foam can be problematic because they are often made from petroleum-based products and can release harmful emissions | + | However, materials like acoustic foam can be problematic because they are often made from petroleum-based products and can release harmful emissions like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). According to studies [(Jorge2020)] and [(Francesco2015)], |
| The antimicrobial technical textile is important for hygiene, but it’s also important to make sure it has low chemical emissions and is safe for indoor air quality, especially since children are more sensitive to pollutants. | The antimicrobial technical textile is important for hygiene, but it’s also important to make sure it has low chemical emissions and is safe for indoor air quality, especially since children are more sensitive to pollutants. | ||
| - | Another important aspect of the project’s sustainability is the decision to work with Portuguese suppliers. By sourcing materials locally, the environmental impact related to transportation can be reduced, especially in terms of CO₂ emissions from long-distance shipping. Research in sustainable supply chains [(Fang2016)] shows that transport distance is directly linked to carbon emissions, and reducing this distance is an effective way to lower the overall environmental impact of a product. | + | Another important aspect of the project’s sustainability is the decision to work with Portuguese suppliers. By sourcing materials locally, the environmental impact related to transportation can be reduced, especially in terms of CO< |
| - | In addition, transportation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with the transport sector accounting for a significant share of energy-related emissions [(Heidi2014)] | + | In addition, transportation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with the transport sector accounting for a significant share of energy-related emissions [(Heidi2014)]. |
| By working with local suppliers, the project can therefore reduce transport distances and associated emissions. At the same time, this approach supports the local economy, allows for shorter delivery times, and improves communication and quality control. For this project, materials such as aluminium, technical textiles, and acoustic solutions should, whenever possible, be sourced from suppliers based in Portugal. | By working with local suppliers, the project can therefore reduce transport distances and associated emissions. At the same time, this approach supports the local economy, allows for shorter delivery times, and improves communication and quality control. For this project, materials such as aluminium, technical textiles, and acoustic solutions should, whenever possible, be sourced from suppliers based in Portugal. | ||
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| \\ Here are the different phases: \\ | \\ Here are the different phases: \\ | ||
| - | \\ | + | - __Materials: |
| - | Aluminium and brass require a lot of energy to produce, but they can be recycled, which reduces long-term impact. Textiles and acoustic materials could be improved by using recycled or bio-based options. | + | Aluminium and brass require a lot of energy to produce, but they can be recycled, which reduces long-term impact. Textiles and acoustic materials could be improved by using recycled or bio-based options. |
| - | \\ | + | - __Production: |
| - | The cocoon is designed with a structure using aluminium bows and brass panels. Prefabricated parts reduce manufacturing waste and energy use, and assembling the cocoon on-site is more efficient than building it from scratch. Choosing low-energy manufacturing processes for metal bending, panel cutting, and textile finishing can also make a difference. | + | The cocoon is designed with a structure using aluminium bows and brass panels. Prefabricated parts reduce manufacturing waste and energy use, and assembling the cocoon on-site is more efficient than building it from scratch. Choosing low-energy manufacturing processes for metal bending, panel cutting, and textile finishing can also make a difference. |
| - | \\ | + | - __Transport: |
| - | Transporting materials can contribute significantly to the product’s carbon footprint, especially for heavy or bulky items like brass panels or acoustic boards. By sourcing materials from Portuguese suppliers (F. Marques da Silva S.A. [(Alu2022)] [(Brass2022)], | + | Transporting materials can contribute significantly to the product’s carbon footprint, especially for heavy or bulky items like brass panels or acoustic boards. By sourcing materials from Portuguese suppliers (F. Marques da Silva S.A. [(Alu2022)], [(Brass2022)], |
| - | \\ | + | - __Use:__ |
| - | The cocoon is designed to last a long time, thanks to durable metals and textiles. Low maintenance requirements (especially with antimicrobial textiles) reduce environmental and economic costs during use. Additionally, | + | The cocoon is designed to last a long time, thanks to durable metals and textiles. Low maintenance requirements (especially with antimicrobial textiles) reduce environmental and economic costs during use. Additionally, |
| - | \\ | + | - __End-of-life: |
| The design allows for disassembly and recycling. Aluminium and brass can be fully recycled, while textiles and acoustic materials could be reused or repurposed if chosen carefully. Designing for end-of-life reduces waste and supports circular economy principles. Choosing more recyclable or bio-based materials further improves sustainability. \\ | The design allows for disassembly and recycling. Aluminium and brass can be fully recycled, while textiles and acoustic materials could be reused or repurposed if chosen carefully. Designing for end-of-life reduces waste and supports circular economy principles. Choosing more recyclable or bio-based materials further improves sustainability. \\ | ||