Question 1: Define the term 'sustainability' as it applies to industry and manufacturing.

Answer: Sustainability in industry refers to designing, producing, and operating processes that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often by reducing environmental impact and conserving resources.

Question 2: Identify three common materials that industries are encouraged to replace with more sustainable alternatives. Explain why these replacements are beneficial.

Answer: Materials such as plastic (replaced by biodegradable or recycled materials), unsustainable wood (replaced by certified sustainable wood or bamboo), and non-recyclable metals (replaced by recycled metals). These replacements reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and conserve natural resources.

Question 3: Describe how a company might reduce energy consumption in its manufacturing process. Provide two specific strategies.

Answer: Strategies include upgrading to energy-efficient machinery and lighting, and implementing energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy usage throughout production.

Question 4: Imagine you are designing a reusable shopping bag. Sketch a simple design for this bag, considering sustainability and user convenience.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a bag made from sustainable material such as jute or recycled plastic. It should include handles for easy carrying, a large capacity, and possibly a foldable or compact design for storage. The sketch would demonstrate consideration for durability and reusability.

Question 5: List and explain two environmental benefits of designing products that are easy to disassemble at the end of their life.

Answer: Benefits include easier recycling of individual materials, reducing waste sent to landfills; and facilitating repair or refurbishment, which extends the product's lifespan and reduces the need for new resources.

Question 6: Explain what 'circular economy' means in the context of industry and give one example of how a business could implement this model.

Answer: A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continual use of resources by recycling, reusing, and refurbishing products. Example: A company that collects used products, refurbishes them, and resells them as renewed items.

Question 7: Identify two challenges industries face when trying to adopt sustainable practices and suggest possible solutions.

Answer: Challenges include high initial costs for sustainable technology and lack of consumer awareness. Solutions involve government incentives or grants and educating consumers about the benefits of eco-friendly products.

Question 8: Describe how the use of renewable energy sources can impact the carbon footprint of an industry.

Answer: Using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind reduces reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing the industry's overall carbon footprint.

Question 9: Sketch a flowchart showing the process of designing an eco-friendly product from concept to end-of-life. Label each stage clearly.

Answer: A correct flowchart would include stages such as: Concept Development, Material Selection, Manufacturing, Use, Recycling/Disposal. The sketch should show arrows connecting these stages in sequence.