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| report:sus [2026/04/12 21:16] – [Life Cycle Analysis] epsatisep | report:sus [2026/05/21 22:44] (current) – [Environmental] team6 | ||
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| First of all, eco-efficiency is about designing products that reduce environmental impact while still meeting people’s needs. In this project, the cocoon is designed to help reduce children’s anxiety in waiting rooms through calming scents, visuals, and sounds, while also being accessible (including wheelchair access) and hygienic | First of all, eco-efficiency is about designing products that reduce environmental impact while still meeting people’s needs. In this project, the cocoon is designed to help reduce children’s anxiety in waiting rooms through calming scents, visuals, and sounds, while also being accessible (including wheelchair access) and hygienic | ||
| - | Because this is a healthcare-related environment, | + | Because this is a healthcare-related environment, |
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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 [(Arenas2020)] 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 [(Auvinen2014)]. |
| 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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| - | 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)], | + | 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)], |
| - __Use:__ | - __Use:__ | ||