To acknowledge and reward outstanding examples of sustainable design, Standards Australia in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, the Design Institute of Australia, and WSP Environmental, have developed an Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design, as part of the Australian International Design Awards. The recipient will be selected from the Finalists in the annual Australian International Design Awards, and will be presented at the Australian International Design Awards Presentation Night.

Design for Sustainability is about designing better, smarter products that are functional, cost effective, and have no harmful side effects on human health or the environment. Product sustainability is now a key factor in determining overall design quality and performance.

A new economy is evolving and it needs products and services that have been designed to eliminate environmental impacts. Overseas studies have found that up to 80% of a product’s environmental impacts are already locked in at the design stage, when key decisions are made about materials, production, distribution, operation and end-of-life management. Designers, product developers and brand-owners have an unmatched opportunity to deliver positive environmental outcomes by:

	sourcing and specifying environmentally preferable materials;
	reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and embodied energy;
	maximising energy and water efficiency during manufacture;
	eliminating and/or reducing toxic and hazardous substances;
	extending product life and durability where relevant;
	designing for straightforward disassembly, reuse, refurbishment and recyclability;
	building-in product stewardship, take-back and recycling services;
	minimising packaging; and
	providing user-friendly consumer information and education.

As a result it is critical for product developers to think about, and act on, reducing life cycle environmental impacts at the design stage.

The judging process for the Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design considers the following:

1. Is the product needed and is the function best served by the specific design?

2. Evidence that the design of the product has been driven by a primary concern for sustainability and responsible design practice

3. Outstanding achievement in various principles of sustainable design, such as: minimising resource use, including reducing energy and water use during manufacture and use stage, reducing embodied energy and water, and reducing materials and specifying sustainable materials such as post consumer content and 100% recyclable materials; reducing or eliminating toxins; designing for longevity and disassembly; establishing product stewardship schemes; and educating consumers on the sustainable advantages of their products)

4. Evidence of innovation and creativity in the application of these sustainable design principles

5. Evidence that the manufacturer has embraced sustainability business practices across the organisation, as well as encouraging sustainable supply chains

Judging Panel

Kel Dummett – Sustainability Victoria (Facilitator)

Geoff Fitzpatrick – Design Institute of Australia

John Gertsakis – WSP Environmental

Gary Haywood – Design Victoria

Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design - Winner

2009

Electrolux Refrigeration Collection 2008 Electrolux Home Products

2008

Slide Connect G2 – Exit Sign Legrand Australia Bluesky Design Group Formwerx Product Design Consultants

2007 – Inaugural Award

Caroma H2Zero Cube Urinal Caroma Dorf