Sustainable Product Design New Zealand Society of Sustainability Engineering and Science Conference, Auckland Alice Wilson Senior Operator, Sustainable Industry Group, Ministry for the Environment 22 February 2007

Presentation Overview Sustainable Product Design Ministry for the Environment Approaches Future Direction Top 3 ideas

Sustainable Product Design?

What?

Why? “Why shouldn’t New Zealand aim to be the first country which is truly sustainable – not by sacrificing our living standards, but by being smart and determined? We can now move to develop more renewable energy, biofuels, public transport alternatives, and minimise, if not eliminate, waste to landfills. I believe that sustainability will be a core value in 21st century social democracy.” Helen Clark, October 2006

…But Why?

Consumer Awareness

So what are we doing? Networks and workshops Tools and resources Showcasing good practice Building capacity Mainstreaming Exploring path-breaking innovation

Progress? Design content on Simply Sustainable (www.sustainability.mfe.govt.nz) Partnership with Designers’ Institute (DINZ), including Best Design Awards. Articles for ProDesign – Focus on Sustainability Virtual network of interested practitioners

More Progress? Building links with Better By Design Linking with Govt3 and sustainable procurement ‘Telling the story’ of sustainable product design

Formway Case Study “At Formway we continually look for ways we fulfil our mission to be a leading company in environmental performance. Formway is a design-led company and we firmly believe that excellent design and making sustainable decisions go hand in hand.” ALAN BUCKNER – CEO, FORMWAY

Looking Forward

Questions? Alice Wilson alice.wilson@mfe.govt.nz 09 985 4806