Next generation design for the environment paradigms

The design for environment (DFE) process over the past 10 years has evolved within industry to be a preferred method of environmental stewardship. This preference comes from a strong business case when DFE is implemented and environmental problems are solved or eliminated with minimal or no recurring costs. The rapid acceptance of DFE has resulted in numerous changes internal to a company's focus, planning, organization, processes, and personnel. Demand for DFE has not only been fuelled by the cost savings potential but has been rapidly endorsed by customers and the regulatory agencies. The most significant paradigm shift has been engineering accepting DFE as a performance specification, as well as the responsibility that hazardous materials and product/process wastes are design defects. This change has prompted integration of DFE into the design process with associated tools and metrics and comprises the next generation of design for the environment.