The Centre for Sustainable Consumption is pleased to announce that the EPSRC Network on Product Life Spans will be launched at a
seminar at Sheffield Hallam University on 25th November 2004 from 10.30-16.00.
The aim of the Network is
* to increase knowledge and understanding of issues relating to the life span of consumer durables and
* to encourage innovative research projects and collaboration between industrial and academic partners.
It is hoped thereby to accelerate the technological and behavioural changes needed for progress to be made towards sustainable
development.
The seminar is the first of a series to be hosted over the next three years. Key findings from two research projects undertaken in
collaboration with the BRASS Centre at the University of Cardiff will be released for the first time at the opening event.
Marketing Durability is a review of the various types of information and knowledge available to consumers who wish to take
anticipated durability into account when purchasing a product. Repair in the UK is an assessment of trends in the amount of repair
work being undertaken and includes case studies of four key product sectors. The seminar will also provide participants with an
important opportunity to exchange opinions on how the Network could be most effective in respondind to their interests and meeting
their needs.
Participants are expected to include product designers, marketing specialists, service engineers, environmental managers, and
public policy experts in government and consumer/environmental non-governmental organisations.
Future seminars will facilitate wide-ranging, interdisciplinary debate and, hopefully, nurture novel and adventurous research
ideas. Subject to discussion at the opening event, future themes may include
* the market potential of longer lasting products, including the impact of user behaviour on product life and potential
conflicts between higher sales volumes and products designed for longer life spans
* how to design products for longevity, including technical issues as well as aesthetic perspectives
* controversial issues such as the future role of fashion and environmental trade-offs between energy efficiency and
durability
* the potential contribution of longer lasting products to eco-efficiency and resource productivity
* public policy relating to the 'throwaway society', including environmental labelling and producer responsibility
legislation.
In addition to the seminars, there will be an opportunity for networking through an Email group and web site to be launched later
this year.
The Network is receiving financial support from the EPSRC over the next 3 years and there is no charge for attending this seminar.
Lunch (with organic and fairly traded ingredients) will also be provided free of charge. Limited funds for reimbursing travel and
subsistence expenses for participants from academic institutions and other not-for-profit organisations are available.
How to book
If you would like to book a place on the first seminar please contact [log in to unmask] or Peter Marshall, Centre for
Sustainable Consumption, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, S1 1WB, fax - 0114 225 3343 to be sent a booking
form. If you are applying for travel and subsistence assistance (only available to participants from academic institutions and
other not-for-profit organisations) we suggest you contact us as soon as possible as funds are limited.
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