Computer-based advisors for environmentally coscious [i.e. conscious], "green" product design

Abstract: "Many corporations have explicit goals to produce environmentally conscious, 'green' products to reduce harmful emissions, energy use and material waste. Numerous regulations on allowable materials and product disposal exist, and additional regulations can be expected. However, while a significant (and growing) literature on 'green design' exists, there are few computer-based aids to give direct guidance to designers concerning the environmental implications of their designs. In this paper, we report on several experimental systems intended to provide such assistance. One system intended to provide direct design advice is described in more detail. It was developed by including additional analysis algorithms and adding rules to an existing knowledge based expert system design advisor intended to provide critiques of the design of plastic parts to be produced from injection molding."