Session: DFMLC-08-01/DAC-20-01: Modeling and Optimization for Sustainable Design and Manufacturing

Paper Number: 72065

Start Time: August 19, 03:20 PM

72065 - Product Development Using Perceived Correlations Between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Social Impact Categories 

This paper discusses the perceived relations between the Social Impact Categories (SIC) and Social, Economic, and Environmental (SEE) Aspects derived from the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These SEE Aspects are part of the Triple Bottom Line of sustainability, and the UN SDGs were used as a basis due to their commonality in the world. Surveys were sent out asking individuals to rank the correlation between the SICs and SEE Aspects as either High, Medium, or Low. Over 100 participants responded. The surveys showed high correlations between Health and Safety and Population Change to the majority of SEE Aspects. There were also high correlations between the SICs and economic and environmental factors. This validated the idea that social impacts are closely related to economic and environmental impacts. Further research will survey perceived relations between all three SEE impact categories.  Additionally, the perceived impacts will be validated with analysis of products and impacts within different communities. The matrix created with the survey’s results can be used in a process that links UN SDGs, SICs, SEE Aspects, and the product attributes and impacts. Much of the social impact definition can occur in the various design stages, and these resources will aid designers in maximizing impact in all three aspects of sustainability.

Presenting Author: Gabrielle Johnson Brigham Young University

Authors:

Gabrielle E. Johnson Brigham Young University
Marin J. Fisher Brigham Young University
John L. Salmon Brigham Young University
Christopher A. Mattson Brigham Young University