The Environment (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Continuous improvement
What is continuous improvement?
Continuous improvement is where designers and manufacturers constantly review and improve a product, including how it is made, over time
Why do designers and manufacturers care about continuous improvement?
It helps to improve the quality and performance of a product
It helps to identify and fix product issues or faults
It can help to reduce waste and production costs
It can benefit the customer through greater product satisfaction
Products can be made to be safer and easier to use
How does continuous improvement work?
Test and evaluate the product or stages of production
Collect data that identifies an opportunity for improvement
Create those improvements in the product or production process
Repeat the process from the beginning
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Continuous improvement is a cycle, not a one-off activity. If asked to describe how it works, make sure your answer shows that the process repeats.
A good way to remember it: test → collect data → improve → repeat.
Efficient working
What is efficient working?
Efficient working relates to the way in which designers and manufacturers make use of time, materials, investment and energy, with minimal wastage
How can manufacturers work efficiently?
Work is planned carefully using flow charts or production plans
Products are made in batches
Wherever possible, off-the-shelf or standard parts are used
Production processes are carefully chosen
Just-in-time (JIT) production is implemented
Every step in production involves quality control
Production processes are improved over time
CNC machines are used to improve accuracy
Waste material is recycled or reused
Production is local to where the products will be sold
Pollution
What is pollution?
Pollution is the release of any harmful substances into a local environment which can cause damage to living organisms
Pollution can be a release of a substance into the air, into the water or onto the land
What are common types of pollution associated with manufacturing?
Air pollution — fumes or gases from burning fossil fuels, or chemicals released into the air
Water pollution — chemical and oil spills into rivers and the sea
Land pollution — material waste or chemical dumping
Worked Example
Describe two types of pollution that could result from a factory manufacturing plastic products.
[4 marks]
Answer:
Type 1: Air pollution [1 mark]— burning fossil fuels to power the factory releases fumes and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere [1 mark].
Type 2: Water pollution [1 mark] — chemical waste from the plastic manufacturing process could be released into nearby rivers or waterways if not disposed of correctly [1 mark].
Global warming
What is global warming?
Global warming is the long-term increase in the earth's temperature, caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by human activity
How does manufacturing contribute to global warming?
Fossil fuels are burnt to power the production of electricity which powers the factories
Forests are cut down as a source of timber for products made from wood
Metals and minerals are mined from the ground, which damages local ecosystems where nature is cleared from the site
Materials and products are transported and distributed around the globe using fossil fuels to power planes, boats and lorries
The production of products releases substances into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO₂)
What are known effects of global warming?
Rising global temperatures
Melting ice causing sea levels to rise
More extreme weather
Local damage to ecosystems and habitats
How can manufacturers reduce their contribution to global warming?
Use renewable energy sources in production
Source materials more locally
Make use of recycled or low-carbon materials
Reduce the amount of energy used in production
Design and make products
to last a long time
which can be repaired, reused or recycled
that are easy to disassemble
Reduce the amount of packaging on products
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When answering questions about global warming and manufacturing, always try to give a specific example.
For instance, rather than saying "use less energy", say "switch from fossil fuel-powered generators to solar panels to reduce the CO₂ emissions from production".
Specific, contextual answers score higher marks.
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