Which term describes designing in a way that accounts for the environmental impact of a product throughout its life?

• A. Eco-Design
• B. Green Design
• C. Sustainable Manufacturing
• D. Circular Design

Answer: (B)

Designing with the product’s whole life in mind means considering environmental impact from material extraction through production, use, and end of life. This broad, life-cycle view is described by Green Design. It aims to reduce negative effects at every stage—choosing sustainable materials, improving energy efficiency, designing for durability and repair, and enabling recycling or safe disposal.

Eco-design also targets environmental impact, but the term Green Design is the broader label that emphasizes the full life-cycle performance of the product. Sustainable Manufacturing focuses mainly on the production process, while Circular Design concentrates on keeping materials circulating through reuse and recycling. Both are important aspects, but the question’s framing aligns with the broader life-cycle approach of Green Design.