Sustainable by Design – 7 Sustainable Design Principles

The environmental footprint of a product throughout its life cycle is largely determined at its development and design phase, with research indicating that design accounts for up to 80% of its impact. So how can sustainable design be applied?

Decisions made during the development phase affect the product’s lifespan, the materials it’s made from, its repairability, how much energy it consumes, and how it can be recycled at the end of its life.

Sustainable design principles are important when considering purchasing a product, as most of them not only contribute to reducing its impact on the environment and society, but also goes in hand with the  cost-effectiveness of the purchase.

At Karjola, we aim to support a sustainable society, which is why sustainable principles have been at the heart of our development and design. What principles of circular economy or sustainability do we pursue in the design of the Karjola smart e-wheelbarrow?

 

 

       1. DURABILITY – LONG LIFETIME

 

Products designed with sustainable principles / principles of circular economy are made for long-term use, rather than promoting consumerism of take-make-use-dispose, with the goal of keeping the product in use for as long as possible. Quality and reliability are key factors in achieving this goal. According to UN-Habitat research, 99% of the things we buy are discarded within 6 months.

Therefore, robustness, quality, and long-term use are the basic principles guiding the design and production of the Karjola smart e- wheelbarrow. A robust frame, thickened container sheet metal, a fully welded construction (without screws), and protection for cables and electronic components inside a steel housing provide the foundation for a long lifespan. Rain and cleaning with water are therefore not a problem.

 

        2.  MODULARITY, EASY MAINTENANCE, AND DECOMMISSIONING

 

Components of a product (when there are multiple components) usually have different lifespans, so they need to be replaced at different times. Modular design allows for easy, separate replacement of individual components. Only the component that is no longer functional is replaced, not the entire product, which extends its usability. Modularity and easy decommissioning into components are also important for reuse and recycling.

The Karjola smart e-wheelbarrow is designed with modularity of individual components in mind.

 

         3. REPAIRABILITY

 

The right to repair is becoming more prominent in European sustainability efforts. The ability to repair is, of course, closely related to the durability of products, design, and availability of components. The key role is also played by economics. To encourage repairs, some countries, such as Austria, have introduced special vouchers that subsidize repairs.

The aforementioned modularity, as well as the economic balance of individual components, contribute to the possibility of repair.

At Karjola, our guiding principle is simplicity of design, which enables easy repairs, while also balancing individual components by value so that none stands out and undermines the economics of repair. With our own service and involvement of a top-notch service network, we put great emphasis on caring for the long lifespan of use.

 

        4.  MATERIAL SELECTION, RECYCLABILITY

 

Material selection has a significant impact on the product’s sustainability footprint. Whether the material comes from recycling or is recyclable or is made from biodegradable materials that will degrade over time. The possibility of recycling is also influenced by the combination of materials since a product made from a single material is much easier to recycle. Recycling is, of course, only the third option, with priority given to further use or use of the product for other purposes. The content of hazardous substances, which could be toxic to humans and the environment when the product is discarded, is also important.

For the frame and container of the Karjola smart e-wheelbarrow, we have chosen steel, which is a durable and strong material and contributes to the product’s long lifespan. This is one of the important principles of design based on the concept of the circular economy. At the end of its life, the steel can be well recycled (98% recyclability) and used for other purposes. Steel products under various influences, such as temperature, also do not emit toxic substances. CO2 emissions are generated during the production of steel, which depends on the use of technologies and energy sources, hence we are exploring options for using steel with a lower carbon footprint.

Choosing lithium-ion batteries for the Karjola smart e- wheelbarrow means that the batteries do not contain heavy metals (such as cadmium or lead) and are therefore not toxic. However, it is better to renew them than dispose of them and return the materials for recycling.

 

        5. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

 

In motorized devices, energy efficiency is an important element. Energy efficiency is an important part of sustainable design because it helps reduce emissions. Electric motors are more than three times more efficient than internal combustion engines. In petrol or diesel engines, 70% -80% of energy is lost for other purposes, and only a small portion is actually used for movement. The design is also important to ensure that energy is used only when necessary, not during standby or waiting.

With the main switch turned on, the Karjola smart e-wheelbarrow is ready to operate, but the motor starts when the e-wheelbarrow actually moves. By choosing lithium-ion batteries for the t Karjola smart e-wheelbarrow, we ensure that the batteries maintain a high energy level and have a relatively small loss of stored energy, even when the batteries are not in use. Also, due to the high capacity of the batteries, the need for charging during normal Karjola use is weekly or monthly.

        6. LOW EMISSIONS

 

No greenhouse gas emissions or other emissions are produced when using the e-wheelbarrow, making it suitable for indoor use. If we look at emissions more broadly and consider how electrical energy is generated, emissions are still quite low compared to internal combustion engines due to the high efficiency of the electric motor. Calculations for electric scooters show that emissions are significantly lower even when considering the entire product life cycle, which includes battery production and recycling at the end of its life.

Of course, the lowest emissions are from a regular, non-motorized wheelbarrow, which is the best choice when motor assistance is not needed. However, when added motor power helps protect health and electric drive is an alternative to internal combustion engines, the e-wheelbarrow is the decision for a low/zero-emission transportation tool.

        7. POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT

 

Sustainable design also includes the impact on the social environment. The Karjola smart e-wheelbarrow is an easy transportation device that enables older people to significantly ease their work. It empowers them for independent activities in the garden, around the house, and in agriculture. They can continue with these activities in their mature years, which brings them satisfaction and contributes to better physical and mental health. As a study for the UK shows, simply observing plants and nature reduces stress, fear, anger, sadness, as well as blood pressure and muscle tension.

 

Therefore, it is not surprising that research shows that gardening is one of the most popular leisure activities in the EU, and interest is also increasing among young people, such as millennials in Germany. Gardening is also one of the most popular leisure activities among Slovenians, right after watching TV.

By growing your own vegetables and fruits in your garden, you can positively contribute to your health and well-being, as well as to the care for our planet. A study under the initiative of the European Commission has shown that transport of fruit and vegetable accounts for 36% of total emissions, twice as much as the production itself.

Our Karjoala smart e-wheelbarrow can help you with your work in the garden. We support your own food growing and care for our planet.