This thesis presents why a new user-centred design process for eco-design would be beneficial and demonstrates how this could be done. The research produces a methodology for collecting and measuring behaviour information and a framework for assessing its impact. It explores the role of and effective introduction of information in the design process and finally concludes with the proposed design approach for reducing the environmental impact of products during their use. Utilising a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, energy models, observational studies, laboratory design experiments, participation research, product prototyping and industrial consultation, a comprehensive picture of designing for energy-efficient user behaviour is formed. It illustrates how behaviour information can be recorded and quantified, assessing the division between a product's intrinsic, technology-based, energy efficiencies and those that are deemed user-related. Finally, in conclusion this information is then used in a new design approach which proposes a framework for the effective and time-efficient design of products, producing a prototype design which achieves an ongoing 43% energy saving in user related losses.

This research was developed to investigate the potential environmental impacts of poor air quality in Perth. This involved improving existing vegetation maps (through satellite image analysis techniques) for biogenic or forest emissions as a precursor to smog in Perth. Further, to visualise potential environmental impacts associated with poor air quality, a four- dimensional (volumetric over time) animation was created which clearly shows the path and extent of smog in Perth throughout an entire day.Computer mapping of vegetation using Landsat TM data was performed to create an updated inventory of forest types in Perth as input into a photochemical smog model. By improving the inventory of forest cover, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Perth can calculate up to date biogenic emission estimates for the photochemical smog model.Outputs from the DEP's photochemical smog model were integrated into a Geographical Information System (GIS) and subsequently visualised to show plume movement and potential environmental impact. Two datasets (nitrogen oxides and ozone) were provided to investigate the volumetric and dynamic temporal movement of photochemical smog in Perth on one day, March 16, 1994.Nitrogen oxide sources can range from industry and petroleum refining to motor vehicle exhaust emissions, and are a major precursor to photochemical smog (ozone) formation in Perth. Natural emission sources (forest or biogenic emissions) can also be an important contributing factor to the photochemical smog mix in Perth. Biogenic emissions are comprised of Reactive Organic Chemicals (ROC) or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) which act as a catalyst to aid the nitrogen oxide conversion to ozone.Three-dimensional and four-dimensional GIS techniques were used to highlight both plume movement and environmental impact. These two sets of visualisations have differing ++ / chemical levels (higher and lower, respectively) to show movement and interaction effectively. Visualisation of the chemicals allows for a greater understanding of the mostly invisible chemical movement over the course of a day and its potential impact to humans and vegetation.The spatial and temporal interaction of the plumes was investigated by creating a series of animations that can be viewed over the Internet. By using multimedia capabilities, these results can be easily distributed to a wide range of decision makers and people generally interested in smog in Perth.

There is concern that canyoning, which has grown in popularity in recent years, may not be environmentally sustainable within the Blue Mountains National Park. Sociomanagerial research was undertaken, using an initial focus group discussion and subsequent surveys. Canyoners were found to participate in their sport predominantly in small groups in relatively few canyons, were generally experienced, did not feel crowded by other people encountered, and displayed little evidence of displacement behaviour from popular locations. No specific biophysical impacts were perceived as serious. Canyoners generally supported management action to control visitation to canyons if overuse could be demonstrated, with education and/or restrictive actions as preferred management strategies. Biophysical research was undertaken to test a potential rapid assessment bioindicator for measuring and monitoring potential visitor impacts. Macroinvertebrate data were analysed and no significant difference in macroinvertebrate assemblage composition or water quality was found between high and low visitation streams. Macroinvertebrate fauna were found to be highly resilient to trampling. Current visitation levels within the canyons appeared to be within ecologiocally sustainable levels. The implications of the findings are discussed for visitor impact management policymaking. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2005. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-202) Also available online via the Florida State University electronic theses website (http://etd.lib.fsu.edu/).

This study was initiated by the authors in order to evaluate the Twister™ method’s environmental pros and cons in relation to other traditional floor care methods using polish and wax. This has been ascertained through a Life Cycle Assessment which was conducted within the study. The study has been in co-operation with HTC Sweden AB, the developer of the Twister™ method. The results show that the elements of the Twister™ method with the greatest environmental impact are the scrubbing machine that is used and the low energy consumption that the Twister™ method requires. The results also show that the Twister™ method has a significantly lower environmental impact than floor care methods using polish or wax. The parts of the Twister™ pad that have the greatest environmental impact are the industrial diamonds and the material that makes up the pad.

Title: Transshipment Terminal – A study of environmental effects from the introduction of a transshipment terminal and a route planning system in the municipality of Kalmar Examiner: Andersson, Petra Key words: Transshipment terminal, route planning, environmental impact Purpose: The study aims to examine how a transshipment terminal and a route planning system may have implications for the municipality of Kalmar from environmental concerns. Methodology: The thesis is a case study on the municipality of Kalmar. A positivistic -and an objectivistic approach have been used. The strategic approach that was used was quantitative. Theoretical perspectives: The thesis has mainly been based on theories of transshipment terminal, route planning and environmental impact, but also other relevant theories have been used. Emperical foundation: Empirical data has gathered through interviews with the municipality of Kalmar and its suppliers and from data that was obtained from them. The information has then been analyzed using the theoretical framework. Conclusions: By imposing a transshipment terminal and route planning for the municipality of Kalmar, the number of transports, transport distance and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced. transshipment terminal can be analyzed, and how suppliers can change their routes when a transshipment terminal is inmplemented. Also where the transshipment terminal should be placed can be another subject to study. Suggestions for further research: The authors suggest that a deeper study of the total costs of

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-107).

Thesis (M.U.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-65).