Title: Ecodesign, sustainability and action research: valuing the use of eucalyptus timber in the Jequitinhonha Valley (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Authors: Andréa Franco Pereira

Addresses: Department of Architectural and Urban Technology, School of Architecture, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Rua Paraíba, 697, 30130-140, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil

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; sustainable development; entrepreneurship; furniture industry; civil construction; product design; waste recovery; environmental management systems; EMS.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2013.054070

Journal of Design Research, 2013 Vol.11 No.1, pp.91 - 106

Received: 21 Jun 2012
Accepted: 21 Jan 2013
Published online: 28 Jun 2014 *

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