Software that allows designers to perform Life cycle analysis (LCA) on a product and assess its environmental impact is an example of which term?

• A. Cradle to cradle
• B. Converging technologies
• C. Cradle to grave
• D. Eco-design

Answer: (B)

Life cycle assessment software helps designers quantify environmental impacts from raw materials through production, use, and end of life. Using that data to guide choices—such as what materials to use, how to manufacture more efficiently, and how the product is disposed or recycled—embodies designing with environmental considerations in mind, i.e., eco-design. Cradle to cradle focuses on closing the loop for materials, cradle to grave describes a linear path from creation to disposal, and converging technologies refers to combining different technologies and disciplines. None of those fit the design-for-environment emphasis as directly as eco-design.