Photo : Tanguy Mélinand

As a student of global design, I find myself at the intersection of two major challenges: the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and the urgent need to decarbonize our activities. The world of industrial design, often seen as a privileged sector in terms of creativity and innovation, must now play a central role in the energy transition. The findings of figures such as ADEME, the analyses of the Shift Project and the reports of the IPCC, deeply inspire me to think of a design that not only minimizes the carbon footprint, but also anticipates future challenges. In short, collaboration is the key.

The essence of sustainable design

The increasing scarcity of fossil fuels is a reality we can no longer ignore. Resources such as oil, coal and gas, which fueled the industrial revolution and shaped our modern conception of comfort and efficiency, are becoming increasingly difficult to extract and use sustainably. This situation calls for a complete overhaul of our design, production and consumption processes. Jean-Marc Jancovici, with his pragmatic and sometimes alarmist approach, reminds us of the urgency of the situation. He demonstrates how dependence on fossil fuels is intrinsically linked to our current economic model, and how every link in the value chain needs to be re-evaluated from a sustainability perspective. For me, this means that industrial design can no longer simply optimize existing processes; it must reinvent these processes so that they are compatible with a low-carbon economy, drawing on the past as well as the experiments of the present.

Towards Circular Design

One of the key elements of this reinvention is circular design. Contrary to the traditional linear model, which follows the “produce-consume-throw away” pattern, and without forgetting that all production pollutes, circular design aims to create products that can be repaired, reused and recycled. This model is fundamental in a context of dwindling resources, as it enables materials to remain in the economic cycle for as long as possible.

Inspired by the work of the Shift Project, I see circular design as a direct response to the limits of fossil resources. Of course, before we can think about circular design, we need to reduce usage through deliberate sobriety, rather than through poverty. However, after this stage, we need to think about, for example, designing modular products that can be easily dismantled and repaired, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing the need to produce new materials. This reduces not only the demand for raw materials, but also the energy required for production and transportation, as demonstrated by the C2C (Cradle to Cradle) approach.

Rethinking methods

The actions on which the designer can act (production, transport, materials) are part of a logic of taking a step back. This translates into three major stages: we started with an existing need, such as designing a bottle, then we began by thinking about processes, such as how to transport water, but today we still have to go back as far as rethinking the primary experience of drinking water. 

At the same time, this design encompasses different levers of action, and one of those that must take precedence is subtraction. We've never stopped adding superfluous functions, and now we need to remove them.

I'm particularly interested in the idea of reusing existing materials rather than extracting or producing them from scratch. For example, reclaimed building materials can be integrated into new designs, reducing demand for virgin materials and lowering environmental impact. Switching to renewable, low-carbon materials is another crucial aspect of decarbonized industrial design. Fossil-free design involves a transition to bio-based or recycled materials, and the adoption of manufacturing processes that minimize energy use.

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

I also realize that decarbonizing industrial design cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires close collaboration between designers, engineers, researchers and politicians. Sustainable solutions require a thorough understanding of technical, economic and social issues. As a designer, you need to be involved in multidisciplinary dialogues to develop innovative and viable solutions. The Shift Project, for example, proposes scenarios for an energy transition that include specific recommendations for industries. Collaborating with experts to understand and apply these recommendations in our design projects is essential to ensure real transformation.

Towards a Sustainable and Holistic Vision

Decarbonization in industrial design is a complex but necessary journey. It's not just about applying technical solutions, but also about adopting a holistic vision that takes into account the entire product life cycle. For me, as a student, integrating these principles into my future projects is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Motivated by the idea that design can be a powerful catalyst for a more sustainable future. By applying the principles of decarbonation, circular design and sustainable innovation, we can create a world where resources are used more wisely to have a significantly reduced environmental impact.

In conclusion, decarbonation is a complex challenge, but it also offers an unprecedented opportunity to reinvent industrial design so that it is in harmony with planetary limits. My background in global design prepares me to embrace this transformation with enthusiasm, seeking to create solutions that not only meet human needs but also respect our planet.