MATERIALS
MAKING SUSTAINABILITY MEASURABLE
Can a new technique empower decision makers to create greener products? Claude Maack outlines a more holistic approach to material selection
M
ankind is facing one of its greatest challenges: climate change and the protection of our planet
for future generations. The current geopolitical instabilities do not help to improve the situation. These instabilities are always temporary, even if the consequences will last and be felt for a long period of time, while climate change will persist. This is a fact. The 20% increase in population and the associated increase in energy and natural resources by another 30% by 2050 are further factors and will challenge our society, politics, science and industry alike. Sustainability is a megatrend and
is multidimensional – and so will be the solutions. There will not be just one type of energy resource for power generation, nor will there be just one technology to solve the situation. Lightweighting is an important
piece of the puzzle, limiting the need for primary energy and natural resources in the face of increasing demand from a growing population. We are talking about a multi-billion- dollar global market for decades to come. However, lightweight solutions must
be affordable. The art is to consider and harmonise ecology and economy in equal measure. A holistic approach to identifying resource and energy
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Sustainable lightweight seat demonstrated by Jeroen Bleekemolen, 24- hour Le Mans champion
Image: Gradel Sàrl
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