To reward outstanding examples of sustainable design, Standards Australia in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, the Design Institute of Australia, and WSP Environmental, is proud to present the Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design at the annual Australian International Design Awards.

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;
	providing user-friendly consumer information and education.

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

Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design - Winners

2010

Enviromesh Infinity Design Development Ozsafe Industries

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