Lifetime optimisation
If you're interested in:
- designing products for optimum life;
- deciding whether it's better to upgrade, repair or remanufacture; or
- what your options are regarding the reuse of equipment and materials,
you can find out more here.
Reducing consumption vs. lifetime optimisation
WRAP’s report Meeting the UK climate change challenge: The contribution of resource efficiency - Full report (832 kb) ![[pdf]](http://www.wrap.org.uk/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif){kind=icon}
has demonstrated that reducing the consumption of products can reduce the impact those products have on climate change.
Optimising the life of the products we have to use will ensure that the most is made of their value. However, this is not always straightforward. In some cases it’s better to upgrade to more energy-efficient models, but in other cases there will be strong justification for making highly durable products that are easily repaired and upgraded.
The Resource Efficiency Loop illustrates the commercial and environmental benefits that can be gained through smarter design, reuse and recycling.
Reuse
Reuse of products is a simple way of extending their life. There is a hierarchy within reuse depending on the amount of work required to return an item back into service, whether it's through:
- direct reuse - upgrading, passing items on, sale of second-hand items, refurbishment of used products;
- repair of products to return to service; or
- remanufacturing - reinstating items to their original condition and selling them with a warranty matching that of a new item.
