ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a range of different types of tools that can be used to support design for sustainability at every stage of the product development process. Environmental assessment tools are quantitative tools which tend to be most useful at the early stages of the product development process where they can be used to evaluate an existing design and identify opportunities for improvement. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as the name implies, is a methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of a product from the initial extraction and processing of raw materials to final disposal from 'cradle to grave'. Strategic design tools are very useful at the early stages of the product development process and at the late stages of the product development process for re-evaluation once improvements have been made. Research has shown that designers need a combination of information, inspiration, education and guidance to help facilitate their involvement in design for sustainability.
