The Dutch Ministry for the Environment, the City of Amsterdam, and the University of Amsterdam also provide core funding. The Working Group stimulates debate on how a growing global population can have its needs met in a more equitable way.
Products based upon renewable energy and materials are also very important to the research work.
Many environmental subjects with which you are familiar and which are helping to make incremental improvements towards the goal of sustainability fit into RA1, e g, eco labelling, LCA, standards, design for disassembly, Eco Design, etc. A graphic orientated database is being developed to include SPD concepts as well as existing products. RA3 will raise 'what if' questions and encourage scenarios to be explored. Strategic Design for SPD - holistic design and planning that meet needs and consider all the interrelated environmental impacts. Optimised Design for SPD - modular, multi functional and upgradable products that enforce SPD, e g, all in one printer, fax, scanner, photocopier.