Green Design, Materials and Manufacturing Processes

The rise of manufacturing intelligence is fuelling innovation in processes and products concerning a low environmental impact over the products lifecycle. Sustainable intelligent manufacturing is regarded as a manufacturing paradigm for the 21st century, in the move towards the next generation of manufacturing and processing technologies. The manufacturing industry has reached a turning point in its evolution and new business opportunities are emerging. With sustainable development arises the immense challenge of combining innovative ideas regarding design, materials and products with non-polluting processes and technologies, conserving energy and other natural resources. On the other hand, sustainability has become a key concern for government policies, businesses and the general public. Model cities are embracing novel ecosystems, combining environmental, social and economic issues in more inclusive and integrated frameworks. Green Design, Materials and Manufacturing Processes includes essential research in the field of sustainable intelligent manufacturing and related topics, making a significant contribution to further development of these fields. The volume contains reviewed papers presented at the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Intelligent Manufacturing, conjointly organized by the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, and the Faculty of Architecture, Technical University of Lisbon, both in Portugal. This event was held at the facilities of the Faculty of Architecture, Lisbon, from June 26 to June 29, 2013. A wide range of topics is covered, such as Eco Design and Innovation, Energy Efficiency, Green and Smart Manufacturing, Green Transportation, Life-Cycle Engineering, Renewable Energy Technologies, Reuse and Recycling Techniques, Smart Design, Smart Materials, Sustainable Business Models and Sustainable Construction. Green Design, Materials and Manufacturing Processes is intended for engineers, architects, designers, economists and manufacturers who are actively engaged in the advancement of science and technology regarding key sustainability issues, leading to more suitable, efficient and sustainable products, materials and processes.