The Eco-designers’ Charter is the voluntary and committed response of design professionals to the major challenges of sustainable development. It is also a response to articles 8 and 9 of the Charter of the Environment, which was incorporated into the French Constitution on February 28, 2005.
By eco-design, we mean a design approach that takes into account ecological responsibility, health, social justice and cultural contribution – for our contemporaries and future generations – in the innovation, design and development of products and services. Eco-design integrates these parameters in a systemic approach. This approach must be understood as a process of continuous improvement, in line with current advances in technology, science and human knowledge. It is our duty to make a contribution to sustainable development, in the context of our professions, our services and the products that result from them.
Our commitments are simple, reasonable and valuable.
To integrate sustainable development issues into our design processes in order to minimize environmental impact and aim for the well-being of present and future human beings, we commit to the following 10 principles:
1. Continuous improvement
Be part of a process of continuous improvement, questioning and permanent innovation. This involves training and informing the various players in the process.
2. Systemic approach
Design your work using a systemic approach that takes into account multiple criteria and their interactions.
3. Acting together
Involve customers and suppliers in this process, to ensure their long-term commitment.
4. Social responsibility
Take social and health conditions into account when choosing suppliers and companies, even when selecting customers.
5. Resources
Ensure that the choice of materials and equipment is based on environmental and social criteria throughout their life cycle.
6. Water, Air, Soil
Consider water, air and soil as common human assets that must be preserved and not polluted throughout the product or service life cycle.
7. Energy
Minimize energy requirements throughout the product or service life cycle. Give priority to renewable and non-polluting sources.
8. Waste
Minimize environmental pollution and promote recyclability of the product or service, as well as related residues and packaging.
9. Health
Take into account the health impact on all living organisms by ensuring the safety of the product or service (in the current state of knowledge).
10. Biodiversity
Take biodiversity into account so as not to harm it, and aim to preserve it throughout the product or service life cycle.
Sources: AFD