J. Design Research, Vol. 11, No. 1, 2013
Ecodesign, sustainability and action research: valuing the use of eucalyptus timber in the Jequitinhonha Valley (Minas Gerais, Brazil) Andréa Franco Pereira Department of Architectural and Urban Technology, School of Architecture, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Rua Paraíba, 697, 30130-140, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract: This paper presents the results of research begun nine years ago. Its aim was to add value to the uses of eucalyptus timber and improve manufactured products by updating the knowledge of entrepreneurs, through design, ecodesign and the pursuit of sustainability for the region. The research team participated in a collaborative and critical manner as active members of the group. Five research projects, involving 21 companies, made the work over the course of this research possible. The activities were conducted in a participatory manner, encouraging the expression of entrepreneurs’ interests. The participation of entrepreneurs was defined by their availability and commitment. Furthermore, the research team developed 23 new products, which are applicable to the furniture industry and civil construction. In the final stage, these developed products were focused on the use of waste produced in the factories. Currently, action is being taken to implement environmental management systems in those companies. Keywords: design; ecodesign; sustainability; eucalyptus timber; local development; social development; action research; Brazil. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Pereira, A.F. (2013) ‘Ecodesign, sustainability and action research: valuing the use of eucalyptus timber in the Jequitinhonha Valley (Minas Gerais, Brazil)’, J. Design Research, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp.91–106. Biographical notes: Andréa Franco Pereira is a Product Designer graduate from Fundação Mineira de Arte (FUMA) in 1990 and an Adjunct Professor at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) where she coordinates the Laboratory of Integrated Studies in Architecture, Design and Structures from the Department of Architectural and Urban Technology. She received her PhD in Engineering Mechanical Sciences from Université de Technologie de Compiègne in France in 2001. She is a Researcher of CNPq – National Council of Scientific and Technological Development in Brazil. Her research areas include ecodesign and sustainability with emphasis in product design, perceived comfort and usability, wood use, certification, and life cycle assessment.
Copyright © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
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Introduction
The intervention reported in the present work was requested by a research group from the Jequitinhonha Valley, one of the poorest regions in Brazil located in the State of Minas Gerais (MG). The author coordinated activities and interaction between the design team and entrepreneurs. The methodology applied in this work is based on the principles of ecodesign and action research, which asserts that the intervention of researchers within the study group – i.e. the entrepreneurs from Turmalina – should be guided by the combination of action and research, in the quest for the transformation of working practices. Thus, under action research and ecodesign methodological approaches, this project aimed to build solutions that allowed for the consolidation of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) timber use and its benefits in economic, ecological and social terms, encouraging sustainable development amongst manufacturers in the Jequitinhonha Valley. This work also involved an interdisciplinary team, together with governmental backing, aimed at producing knowledge concerning processes to certify that products meet Technical Standards, as well as giving incentive to multiple uses, including sawn wood (in addition to the traditional use of coal and pulp) from eucalyptus forests in MG. One factor that strengthens the eucalyptus timber market is its use value, meaning that the use of sawn eucalyptus timber is a feasible possibility. However, its effectiveness faces problems related to the user’s appropriation of the wood’s quality and improvements in production processes, including new product development and the adoption of design practices by factories. Although the eucalyptus timber has taken on negative connotation and its use has been the target of prejudice by consumers and society in general, especially due to the negative impacts caused to the environment by its large monocultural plantations, many surveys have pointed out that the activity related to renewable forests generates ecological, social and economic profits. Moreover, it is in accordance with sustainable development policies concerning the adoption of ecodesign criteria. As for the application of ecodesign approaches, it is necessary that all stages of a product’s life cycle be observed. As such, it is important to bear in mind three key points (Pereira, 2003): 1
the expenditure of both renewable and non-renewable natural resources, considering the product usage time
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air, water and soil pollution, considering waste pollution formed during the acquisition and transformation of raw materials, during the manufacture of the product, and during the products’ use and after its use
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the ‘no waste’ prediction, which means that projective efforts must be made to eliminate waste as completely as possible.
This work served to consolidate the proposed methodology, although only five companies remained at the end of the process. In this light, the engagement of the entrepreneurs was of utmost importance. The knowledge acquired refers to the limits and potential of the design’s activities on the sustainable development of the local area, as well as on the socio-environmental gains.
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Eucalyptus forests contextualisation
Wood is a renewable raw material. Of course, some species renew at a slower pace than others, which is the case of most native tropical trees in Brazil, while others present a quick renewal dynamics, such as pine (Pinus elliottii) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), hence their broad usage in cultivation systems. In the case of eucalyptus trees, the species is exogenous in South American regions, with origins from Oceania. According to some studies (Viana, 2004), eucalyptus trees were first planted in Brazil in the mid-19th century, originally as decorative trees. Their commercial plantation began in the first decade of the twentieth century, mainly in the State of São Paulo, where they were used as wood for railway sleeper, posts, and firewood. Only 50 years later were they considered for use as raw materials for the industries of pulp and wood panels. The mass cultivation of eucalyptus began in many Brazilian states in 1966, after the sanctioning of Law no. 5.106 (1966), which deals with fiscal incentives ceded to the logging industry. The extensive planting of eucalyptus has always been a reason for debate. In fact, from its creation to the 1990s, the federal programme of tax incentives has commonly been used in plantation projects with the deforestation of native forests and the use of specific areas for agriculture (Chaves, 2003), especially in the Jequitinhonha Valley, but also in the regions of the Brazilian Savanna and the Atlantic Rainforest biomes in MG. The core issue of the discussions regarding eucalyptus is not the plantation of the tree per se, but rather how it is cultivated. Environmentalists often question the homogeneous plantations of up to 100,000 continuous ha., in addition to the expulsion of local communities and the disrespect for the permanent nature reserves, which solely and exclusively attend to the international demand for paper and pulp as well as the national demand for coal. According to Lima (1993), it is thus possible to observe a reduction in the ecological diversity in areas containing extensive monocultures, but this also occurs with other types of crops. Two prominent examples are sugar cane and soy beans, the latter considered today one of the greatest threats to the Amazon rainforest. Faced with the environmental problems and subsequent lawsuits, as of 2000, a number of legal initiatives to regulate, and even prohibit, the extensive cultivation of eucalyptus have arisen at both city and state levels. The controversy is still present and, more recently, stems from the publication of the new Brazilian Forestry Code, Law no. 12.651 (2012) which, according to some environmentalists, favours industries and the existence of ‘green deserts’ (Calazans, 2011). Nonetheless, as Viana (2004) states, there is no justification today for committing the same errors and corrections must be made. There are sustainable alternatives for the handling of planted forests, such as plantations that intersperse homogeneous and native species, as well as the use of cultivation techniques in agroforestry, agrosilvopastoral and agrosilvicultural systems. It is also well-known that the plantation of eucalyptus is quite useful in the recovery of degraded areas in an attempt to control erosion (Lima, 1993). Other studies have proven that, in comparison to native species (angico vermelho – Parapiptadenia rigida and urundeúva – Astronium urundeuva), the eucalyptus consumes the same quantity of water, but in a more intense manner during the rainy season. As regards its removal of nutrients from the soil, when compared to other crops (sugar cane, oranges, cacao, coffee, etc.), the cultivation of eucalyptus has proven to be much less prejudicial, since the
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vegetation that comes with the cultivation brings about a greater protection of the soil. In addition, its greater rotation cycle allows for the emergence of other plants within the plantation areas, forming understories; there is less need to prepare the soil due to the crop’s long period of rotation; there is a lesser use of fertilisers; and the crops are more resistant to attacks from plagues and diseases, thus demanding a lesser use of chemical agents (Silva, 2003). Although the history of the introduction of artificial eucalyptus forests in Brazil began with high environmental costs, governmental policies have been trying to reverse this picture recently. One such programme is the Multiple Use of Renewable Forests Programme, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology from the State of MG, whose aim was to give incentive to activities that seek the sustainable handling of eucalyptus forests, as well as the valuation of the use of sawn wood in projects that work together with researchers from federal universities within the state. The cultivation of fast-growing trees, when using the proper techniques, can result in economic benefits and be quite useful for the success of forest management programmes, especially in the Amazon Rainforest, as it decreases the need for forest exploration, which has been on the rise due to the increased demand for a wide range of forestry products, and allows the timber to be used for more appropriate, noble purposes, that is, uses which give value to their sensory assets, chiefly colours and sumptuous textures. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2009), forecasts indicate an increase of 1.4% per year in the consumption of sawn wood and 3.3% in wood panels from 2005 to 2020. Moreover, in 2005, the total area of planted trees in the world corresponded to 140.8 million ha. In 2007 in Brazil, that number was 5.95 million ha., and corresponded to plantations, as indicated by the Brazilian Silviculture Society (SBS, 2008). Brazil offers great potential in wood cultivation, as the area of planted trees occupies 0.7 of the national territory. In 2008, according to the Brazilian Association of Forest Plantation Producers (ABRAF) (ABRAF, 2009), eucalyptus plantations covered 4.26 million ha., and had reached a growth rate of 33.1% in four years. In this light, there is an urgent need for sustainable forest management. Fomenting the increase in the use of wood in both the construction and consumer goods industries, especially wood from renewable forests, is a sustainable practice and complies with the statements set forth at the Rio ‘92 Conference (UNEP, 1992): a
sustainable management of forestry heritage
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reduction in abusive wood exploration
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energetic valuing of biomass towards fossil energy economics
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development of the use of wood in construction industries.
As for global ecological aspects, during the 13th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (CoP-13) in Bali, December, 2007, forests were included in the carbon dioxide emission reduction measures in the second period of commitments under the climate convention, referred to as post-2012 – the end of the Kyoto Protocol (Vitae Civilis, 2008; United Nations, 2009). Paixão et al. (2006), in a research aimed at quantifying the carbon stock in different forest compartments and evaluating economic aspects, states that, although a eucalyptus plantation is used “only for the sales of carbon credits, without considering its final use, it
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is economically viable […]. The inclusion of carbon credit sales makes the enterprise even more economically attractive, especially because the income in the early stages of the project reflects positively in the economic evaluation criteria”. As for socioeconomic aspects, in many Brazilian states, such as MG, one of the largest eucalyptus producers: 1.28 million ha. (ABRAF, 2009), Bahia and Espírito Santo, eucalyptus silviculture is clearly an important source of family income, and is considered a main property activity for many producers (Oliveira et al., 2006). In this sense, incentives for forestry driven by the government, has produced a positive outcome. According to Fontes et al. (2003), these incentives are shaped as an effective tool towards environmental protection. By contrast, concerning fomentation contracts, Oliveira et al. (2006) state: “part of the producers, once the contract is terminated, won’t abandon silvicultural activities, which, associated with other factors, have strengthened the timber production market”. What is needed is the application of an appropriate forest management that, in addition to preserving the water and soil, does not compromise the permanent preservation areas, in turn maintaining ecological corridors between them in such a way as to ensure a minimum of biodiversity. In addition, it is undeniable that the development of the activity of cultivated forests, based on sustainable forest management, is an important factor in reducing the pressure to explore native forests.
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Research approach
The resulting work was based on the joint collaboration for local development among researchers and entrepreneurs, observing the improvement of products manufactured from eucalyptus timber, by updating entrepreneurs’ knowledge, materials optimisation and product compliance with regulations and standards. For six years, the overall project, broken down into five research projects, involved 21 entrepreneurs from 13 companies in the city of Turmalina-MG and eight in surrounding counties. Figure 1
One of the carpentries (see online version for colours)
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3.1 Studied group The companies are registered as carpentries (Figure 1); most are micro enterprises with up to 19 employees, as indicated in results from findings from a 2003 report (Pereira et al., 2003). Enterprises use eucalyptus timber to make home furniture, such as closets, kitchen cupboards, dining room sets, beds, mitre joints and many other products, such as beehives for beekeepers. Since 2008 these companies have been apt to make architectural components for thermal, lighting and acoustics comfort. The production is semi-serial or on demand, always following a production for process flow. Most products are commercialised in neighbouring counties, as well as in the largest cities in MG and other states. Outsourced carriers distribute the products and assembly is done in consumers’ homes. At the beginning of the research, companies faced problems related to the lack of specialised information, such as access to adequate production methods and factory layouts, as well as the application of product design techniques. This difficulty led to time and cost problems, and negatively influenced the quest for new markets and investments in factory infrastructure. Nevertheless, entrepreneurs claimed to be aware of the fact that design is one of the main issues that influences consumers’ choice of purchase. However, for adopted design techniques to be applied with desired results, it was initially necessary to exchange information aimed at levelling the entrepreneurs understanding of several factors vital to a more global view of the product. Knowledge leverage and understanding of the pole as a whole were, therefore, guidelines applied throughout the project to both researchers and entrepreneurs. The objective was to inspire entrepreneurs to search for sustainable development, seeking positive outcomes in economic, social and ecological terms, by means of: 1
the use of materials optimisation as well as new uses for traditional materials, product cost reduction and differentiation aimed at expanding sales
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local workforce attachment to create jobs and income, and give value to cultural identity in the Jequitinhonha Valley
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the use of renewable raw materials, reduction of environmental impact during production, and awareness of materials and waste.
3.2 Methodology – action research The research was based on an initial methodology, fully applied during the first three years, which was later adapted to the new demands and acquired knowledge. From the work/organisation point of view, participation is considered a fundamental element in action research, as results are considered effective after a process of knowledge construction has been achieved among the researchers and the studied group, which construct an entire system through their interaction (Morin, 1977). Action research is designed as a pertinent method to be applied in complex situations, where results are derived from the interactions among many actors. According to Thiollent (1994), action research is applicable in a group of actors who, despite having distinct responsibilities and actions, share similar interests and objectives in the search for a solution to a problem within the context in which they are involved.
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Its main vocation is investigative, with the objective of generating possible solutions to detected problems (Thiollent and Silva, 2007). According to Stringer apud Thiollent and Silva (2007), the participation is more effective when it: a
allows a significant level of involvement
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enables people in the accomplishment of tasks
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supports people in learning and acting independently
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strengthens plans and activities that people are able to accomplish themselves
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deals directly with the people involved instead of representatives or agents.
Two major points were considered fundamental in supporting and providing entrepreneurs with appropriate information: 1
the introduction of new knowledge
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the learning of how designers work, revealing the importance of interlinking these two elements when designing a product.
The adopted idea began with the logical design methods in two stages: 1
reverse introduction (from concrete to intangible assets) of the necessary content for each project stage, called levelling
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demonstration of design methods in the development of specific products, called prototyping.
From a diagnosis made in the prospect stage, the content was introduced (levelling), following a reverse sense of the design process (from concrete to intangible). In practical terms, this means entrepreneurs learned the importance of technical drawing and its significance for manufacturing, clarifying all information needed to achieve this level of knowledge, in addition to the intangible assets of the product. The methodology also predicted improvements in the final design through certification and evaluation in lab tests (rehearsal/certification stage). Subsequent work referred to improvements in the initial methodology, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of more daring goals: 1
identity development and professionalisation
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production diversity and the search for new markets
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the application of ecodesign tools (life cycle assessment – LCA software), and the implementation of environmental quality systems and certification.
3.3 Methodology – ecodesign In the ecodesign approach, all stages of the product’s life cycle, as well as its production chain, must be considered throughout the choice of materials, the type of resources to be applied (renewable or non-renewable) and the consideration of many types of pollution. Both the research team and the entrepreneurs defined the following goals as part of the ecodesign criteria:
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use eucalyptus timber in its natural colours to assure the consumers’ recognition of the material and, therefore, add value to the renewable wood
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separate solid wood from wood panel sawdust (upon use)
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implement a ventilation system to collect sawdust
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organise and reuse, whenever possible, coarse waste
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outsource finished product to companies that have appropriate painting cabins so as to attend to the COPAM normative deliberation (COPAM, 2004), which classifies factories with pollution stemming from painting wastes as Class III hazardous activities
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care for workers’ health and conditions: noise, accidents and chemicals
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care for environmental health: noise, wastes and chemical emissions
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enhance the use of local craftsmanship as social responsibility and income, attending to the standards set forth in NBR 16000 (ABNT, 2004) and ISO 26000.
3.4 Research development Under such premises, research was structured in four stages. The first took place between 2002 and 2004, the objective of which was to understand the production context of the factories, level knowledge by promoting seminars, product design and prototyping. Activities began at the prospect stage, which consisted of a visit to all companies (13 carpentries) to gather information by means of semi-structured interviews with each entrepreneur, a sketch of the factory layout and photos of installations. Once information had been analysed, a diagnosis was drafted (Pereira et al., 2003), which guided activities in both the levelling and prototyping stages. Four themes arose during the levelling stage (Pereira et al., 2004): 1
the levelling of technical documentation
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the levelling of production planning
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the levelling of technical restrictions
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the levelling of functional and problem analyses.
Subsequently, three products were designed and their prototypes built. In 2005 the second stage sought the establishment of a scenario of innovation, a creation of identity and professionalisation. The goals of this stage included three fundamental aspects: 1
production professionalisation, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of activities at two levels: a developing products that would actually be commercialised, favouring entrepreneurs’ trust of product design criteria b exploring and enlightening entrepreneurs as to their capability of acting independently, meaning their own decision-making process regarding anything they were able to produce so that, in the future, they would be able to hire the most appropriate design professionals
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consideration of the Jequitinhonha Valley Furniture Pole as a whole, understanding its commercial activities and presenting it as one single entity, including both the similarities and specific assets of each company
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development of a united identity, seeking unity in the pole through its differentiation from other furniture production centres.
The third stage took place from 2006 to 2008, and focused on production diversity and a search for new markets. It has been observed that furniture production, both nationally and internationally, has produced a scenario of high productivity within the sector and has pushed for an increase in the use of wood panels over solid wood, which has moved toward a small-scale market segment represented by the demand for exclusive furniture pieces. From this viewpoint, the reinforcement of factories in the Jequitinhonha Valley, as a reference in sustainable production not only for furniture, but also for solid eucalyptus wood, has become the main goal. Product diversity, such as architectural and building devices, was therefore considered the most appropriate path toward economic, social and ecological sustainability for the pole. The fourth and final stage, 2007 to 2009, focused on the consolidation of the JequitinhonhaEcopole. In this light, discussions and actions dealt with the effectiveness of sustainable approaches, the proper use of ecodesign software (LCA), as well as placed on wood waste obtained from eucalyptus during production. The objective was the development of new products using waste as an alternative raw material that is, considering its nobility and possibilities of application in added value products. This finding led to research on the type of waste generated, as well as its classification and storage within the factory.
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Results
The outcome of the projects resulted in the creation of JequitinhonhaEcopole, a consortium of five companies with the objective of supplying the demands for furniture and architecture, as well as for several wood-based objects. These products are manufactured from renewable raw materials and artefacts made from wood wastes. All products use solely eucalyptus, grown in planted forests. Other inputs are used, constantly bearing in mind the least possible environmental impact, as well as adding value to the local identity, as can be seen in the use of native natural fibre braids, made by local craftspeople. The results achieved in this study are encompassed in the four stages described above:
4.1 Stage 1 (2002–2004): Prospect, levelling, product design and prototyping After the prospect and knowledge levelling stages has been implemented, three products were subsequently designed. Given the instructive assets of the methodology, entrepreneurs created the ‘interest groups’, who, in teams (entrepreneurs and researchers-instructors), were devoted to product design in three main categories: Personalised (kitchen cabinets), Commercial (beds) and Institutional (school desks). Prototyping for each product was pedagogical, the objective of which was to raise awareness concerning the importance of prototyping to check and correct form, function,
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structure and process, as defined by a given design. Therefore, in the Turmalina Industrial District, a Prototyping Centre was created, where prototypes of designed furniture and pieces were built. Designers, who sorted out pending points and details, and planned prototyping processes, made the technical drawings.
4.2 Stage 2 (2005): innovation, creation of identity, and professionalisation Throughout this stage, actions were taken in an attempt to achieve a higher level of effective professionalisation of local production, exploring people’s know-how and results obtained from Stage 1. Activities began with a seminar in Turmalina-MG, where all entrepreneurs from the 16 companies participated, and whose objective was to discuss the key paths towards the characterisation and identification of the pole. In the following months, the designersresearchers team designed 16 products, one for each company, in a typological variety of furniture pieces. Prototypes were built and exhibited in national fairs.
4.3 Stage 3 (2006–2008): production diversity and search for new markets In this stage, it was detected that the competitive potential of companies was still low, especially as regards the manufacturing standards of other furniture poles, where production is mainly based on high level productivity. Four products for lighting-thermal comfort and acoustic control were designed: one brise-soleil, one sound absorber and two sound diffusers. Patents and Industrial Design registrations were filed for all products (Figure 2 to 4) at the Brazilian National Institute for industrial property (INPI). In addition, a ‘technology license contract’ was signed by the university and five of the entrepreneurs who make up the JequitinhonhaEcopole, with the objective of licensing both the production and commercialisation of designed pieces. The products were developed following the criteria of ecodesign and sustainability. On such example is the sound absorber (Figure 3), which is a product that uses a greater number of inputs. In addition to wood, it also made use of natural materials, such as sisal ropes and cork, as well as water varnish. In addition, the siding is made up of a curved wooden mould covered by straw braids made of cambaúba (a type of thin bamboo from the region), which is manufactured by craftspeople from the city of Turmalina, generating income and work for the local arts and crafts market. Figure 2
Prototype of Brise-Soleil (see online version for colours)
Ecodesign, sustainability and action research Figure 3
Prototype of the sound absorber (see online version for colours)
Figure 4
Prototypes of the sound diffuser (see online version for colours)
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4.4 Stage 4 (2007–2009): ECOPOLE – environmental quality, ecodesign (LCA) and certification Based on strategic design criteria, extensive research and reflection were carried out to define the types of products to be developed from selected and classified production waste, using its market acceptance as a core principle. Data collected in previous stages indicated that products should be directed toward two markets: 1
architectural components, continuing results obtained in the last stage
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decorative products, called arts and crafts.
As for architectural components, prototypes were built from ornamental wooden flooring pieces, set in five different designs that reuse and value eucalyptus coarse waste. In the arts and crafts category, the following products were designed: paper weights, vases, dining sets and wall clocks.
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The aim was to take advantage of the waste from the wood mills, treating it as an alternative raw material. For this, it became necessary to classify the waste found in the companies and analyse new means through which to store the material. It was also important to create a classification that could easily be appropriated by the entrepreneurs and their factory workers, in turn allowing for simple separation and storage without causing complications to the factory’s production process. For the finishing of the pieces, a water-based varnish was applied. A LCA was performed to quantitatively analyse the impacts. This assessment showed that the transport of the wood represents the greatest environmental impact and that the use of waste is fairly unrepresentative within the realm of the product’s overall impact. This finding led to the conclusion that there was in fact a great need to reduce the source of resource consumption in an attempt to reduce waste and, consequently, reduce its subsequent impact on the environment (Pereira et al., 2010).
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Discussion
In terms of overall results, it can be observed that the aim of accrediting value to the eucalyptus timber has been accomplished. The project was carried out with companies that had the underlying aim of the exclusive use of eucalyptus timber, as they were adept in techniques that work with the wood and were located in a region with a large plantation of eucalyptus species. Although this is true, in the beginning, the companies used the wood coated with varnish to make it appear similar to other more valuable wood species on the market. In fact, as aforementioned, consumers showed a strong prejudice against eucalyptus timber, whether due to the environmental damage caused in the beginning of the introduction of the eucalyptus forests in Brazil, or due to the difficulties of the workability of the wood linked to defects which occurred during the drying process. Technological advances began to arise in an attempt to minimise such problems and allow for a more noble use of this wood species. The design activity contributed by adding value to the raw material, that is, to the sawn wood, aiding in local development and generating income, establishing the workforce in the region and avoiding the mass exodus to large urban centres, as well as presenting sawn wood as an alternative to the extraction of native woods from the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazilian Savanna and the Amazonian Rainforest. The work carried out during the first stage, from 2002 to 2004, achieved a high level of consolidation, which could be verified through the prototyping process. From prototyping, the information transmitted to entrepreneurs was reinforced, enhancing process of system value perception and confirming the topics presented during the levelling stage. Prototyping was characterised by solid improvements in furniture quality, as well as in the production processes, acquired through new product designs. The design team, together with entrepreneurs, sought to reinforce knowledge concerning design procedures, helping entrepreneurs apply a design method approach and subsequently comprehend the standards necessary to adopt designs within their own companies. By contrast, the knowledge of technical drawing was reinforced with entrepreneurs, who in turn began to understand the value of the entire process, demonstrated since the first topic, presented at the beginning of levelling.
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It could be observed that the design activity in this phase surpassed the product’s project limit and that the team’s work focused much more on teaching the entrepreneurs and the university’s overall contribution in the transference of knowledge. However, it could be considered that, from the perspective of sustainability, these initial and necessary actions can be understood as sustainable development within their social realm, as it allowed for the entrepreneurs to improve their own practices, favouring gains in both knowledge and autonomy. The transmitted information created a solid foundation for the introduction of changes that favoured the valuation of eucalyptus and the adoption of environmental criteria within factories. These also opened the door for a more effective dialogue between designers and entrepreneurs. In 2005, during the second stage, an important step concerning the appropriation of desired goals was taken by entrepreneurs: the variation of product typology, the realisation of eucalyptus as a noble wood, the consideration of ecological factors throughout the production process, and the redefinition of symbolic values. The design activities in this phase were carried out in a classical format, that is, the products were developed according to demands from the entrepreneurs themselves. The managerial action taken by the design team was limited to the advice concerning the target public and the adoption of environmental parameters, such as the experimental use of water-based varnish in the factories. For the entrepreneurs, this phase allowed for the comprehension of the potential and the advantages linked to the adoption of the design within the company. For the team, it allowed for the introduction of new furniture concepts (seeking an identity), favouring the valuation of eucalyptus in wood fittings and collages, leaving the wood in plain view without applying dyes. During the third stage from 2006 to 2008, as the groups of both entrepreneurs and researchers matured, market expansion via product diversity became the new target especially as regards the design of architectural components. The design process began with commercial modularisation, the ease of installation, use and maintenance, as well as the search for consolidation of concepts defined in previous stages, namely increasing the value of identity patterns, defined by using horizontal and vertical lines, implementing clear and simple fittings, avoiding winding curves and using certified eucalyptus wood. This phase witnessed a reduction in the number of participating companies: five in all. This reduction was natural, but it is representative of the engagement and interest in bringing about change on the part of the entrepreneur. This phase represented the highest level of maturity of the group as a whole. The interests, both from entrepreneurs and the research team, were more balanced and both strove for real gains concerning the developed products. The knowledge acquired from the results proved positive, as it consolidated the concept of teamwork, whose aim was to add value to eucalyptus wood, within a parameter of sustainability, adopting environmental criteria in the factories and obtaining economic and social gains. In the fourth stage, begun in 2007, the focus was on sustainability, and the objective was the effectiveness of environmental quality standards, seeking the consolidation of the JequitinhonhaEcopole. To accomplish this, subsequent studies of the wastes, which had not been performed in any of the previous projects, were undertaken. This work opened a new path towards the entrepreneurs’ awareness of sustainability and goals not yet attained. This phase proved to be an eye-opener regarding the limits in which the design team, and even the university, could work toward the formation of an ‘ecopole’, unveiling the need for much more well-structured actions. Along with the study on the use of waste,
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other essential factors were also identified for the consolidation of the JequitinhonhaEcopole, such as the construction of a painting cabin that met with the technical standards for reduction in emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, the prospect of the market for new products, the formal establishment of the JequitinhonhaEcopole and its presentation to the public, in addition to the effective engagement of the entrepreneurs in this consolidation. From the viewpoint of potential, it could be observed that the implementation of the design, ecodesign and environmental approach activities in microcompanies can effectively generate benefits in terms of the improvement of the adopted processes, allowing for an increase in competitiveness and sustainable development of the local area. Nevertheless, one must bear in mind that the positive results are only possible with a strong desire for a continued transference of knowledge over the long-term. In this sense, important limits must be respected, given that these actions must stem from institutional backing. A new phase can be initiated, but with the conscious awareness that its boundaries, for the design and research teams, are limited to the improvement of the product, the correction of the prototypes and their preparation for production.
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Conclusions
The present work allowed for a new step in ecodesign research: the understanding of the potential and limitations of its application through the adoption of qualitative solutions within a sustainable development approach and the experience of a precise reality, which evolves according to specificities. Upon analysing – from the testimonies at the end of each stage and quotes registered during several meetings – the degree of autonomy acquired by each entrepreneur, especially those who participated in activities throughout the entire process, and today constitute the JequitinhonhaEcopole, it can be concluded that the research has achieved its objectives. The changes presented by the entrepreneurs in their testimonies refer to the incentives received as regards the general organisation of their companies, task management, the quest for standardisation, the use of models and templates, the increase in productivity, the search for new markets, the enhancement of self-confidence with clients, the enhancement of relationships with employees, the creation of an identity for each company and the increase of global vision, including design and environmental issues. These entrepreneurs became partners of the university, by means of an agreement reached regarding the licensing of technology, assuring exclusiveness in manufacturing designs, whose registrations have been duly logged at INPI. Currently, they are entirely aware of their limitations and potentials; they know where to seek information and aid to develop and expand their companies; and they are quite certain of their objectives and attainable goals. Nonetheless, this work has clarified the limits and potentials of design activities for sustainable development at the local level. The adoption of its practice in microcompanies can effectively generate benefits in terms of improvements in the adopted process, allowing for an increase in competitiveness and sustainability. However, important limits can be foreseen, since the actions must be considered in structural terms. For the research team, it is at times difficult to clearly define where the gaps lie: What are the responsibilities? and Who should act?
Ecodesign, sustainability and action research
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More than the mere work of designers within a company, actions must be thought of structurally, allowing for much more learning and upgrading of knowledge on the part of entrepreneurs than the proposition of new products. This is possible through institutional financial backing, considering that microcompanies do not have the available funds that would allow for such a contract. There is, therefore, a limitation regarding the work of the designers, as well as that of universities, unveiling the need for greater involvement of public policies, not only in terms of direct financial backing, but also implementing actions that give incentive to private initiatives from the entrepreneurs themselves in their quest for environmental improvements within their companies and the valuation of the raw materials used, in this case, that of eucalyptus timber.
Acknowledgements The following research agencies provided funding: FINEP/CNPq, FAPEMIG and SEBRAE-MG.
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