Sustainability

Sustainability 2012, 4, 154-174; doi:10.3390/su4020154

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sustainability

ISSN 2071-1050 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Review

Sustainable Manufacturing and Design: Concepts, Practices and Needs

Marc A. Rosen * and Hossam A. Kishawy Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada; E-Mail: Hossam.Kishawy@uoit.ca * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: Marc.Rosen@uoit.ca; Tel.: +1-905-721-8668; Fax: +1-905-721-3370. Received: 6 January 2012 / Accepted: 21 January 2012 / Published: 24 January 2012

Abstract: An investigation is reported on the importance of integrating sustainability with manufacturing and design, along with other objectives such as function, competitiveness, profitability and productivity. The need of utilizing appropriate tools like design for environment, life cycle assessment and other environmentally sound practices that are cognizant of the entire life cycle of a process or product is highlighted. It is likely that sustainability and environmental stewardship will be increasingly important considerations in manufacturing and design in the future and are likely to influence the main priorities for advancing manufacturing operations and technologies. Designers and manufacturing decision makers who adopt a sustainability focus and establish a sustainability culture within companies are more likely to be successful in enhancing design and manufacturing. It is concluded that more extensive research and collaboration is needed to improve understanding of sustainability in manufacturing and design, and to enhance technology transfer and applications of sustainability. Keywords: manufacturing; design; sustainability; environment; life cycle assessment

1. Introduction Sustainability is an increasingly important requirement for human activity, making sustainable development a key objective in human development....