Environmental issues and impacts are a source of much debate and discussion, from climate change and oil spills, through to green architecture, green IT, reusable coffee cups and bike share systems. The term ‘Sustainability’ introduces even more challenging opportunities which span social and cultural demands.
Consumers are increasingly interested in more than just recycled toilet paper or low sodium household detergents. The market is open to innovative products and services that can address ‘big picture’ issues and priority environmental impacts, be they global warming, water conservation or toxics. Innovators, entrepreneurs and some brands, have seized such opportunities, but how do we cut through the marketing hype and unverified environmental claims? How can consumers truly assess and compare the relative environmental merits of the products they purchase?
While some manufacturers and brands behave in an ethical and transparent manner about eco-product claims, there are numerous suppliers who exploit environmental issues to simply sell more product. Indeed, the impacts associated with excessive consumption of ‘greener’ products, can result in unintended environmental consequences. Simply look at the consumption patterns associated with mobile devices, despite the existence of national collection and recycling programs. Mobile phones are typically ‘ecodesigned’, and the industry is working hard to avoid waste and recover resources, but consider the overall product flows per annum and the materials poured into their manufacture, not to mention the energy and climate change implications.
It’s a topic which attracts much attention, and designers are often at the centre of the debate. As part of the State of Design Festival 2010, Design Victoria is presenting a seminar on Green Growth Markets. The panel-based event will discuss what lies behind the buzzwords and trends. What products and services are truly green? Shifting consumer patterns and legislative requirements are driving new local and international markets for green products, materials, systems and services. Product designers, graphic designers, architects and interior designers will need to understand how to access and interpret this shifting marketplace for the future of their business.
The Green Growth Markets seminar will provide a valuable forum for designers, innovators and manufacturers to explore how environmental performance and product sustainability can be maximised in a practical and ethical way. The seminar panel includes Tamsin O’Neill from Green Magazine, Alex Fearnside from the City of Melbourne, Suzie Standford Design and John Gertsakis from WSP Environment & Energy’s Digital Solutions team.
The seminar will take place on Thursday 15th July at the Royal Exhibition Buildings. See the State of Design Festival site for more information.
