Product — Environmental Impact & Material Studies

Engineering insight for sustainable, low-impact mechanical design

At Hamilton By Design, we help clients make informed, measurable decisions about the environmental impact of their products and engineered components. Using SolidWorks Sustainability tools, lifecycle data and practical engineering analysis, we provide consulting studies that reduce material usage, lower embodied carbon, and improve the long-term footprint of mechanical designs.

Whether you’re developing a new product, upgrading a mechanical system, or aligning with ESG requirements, we offer clear, engineering-led sustainability assessments that turn environmental goals into real design decisions.

Why Environmental Impact & Material Studies Matter

Sustainability is no longer optional — clients, fabricators, operators and regulators increasingly expect engineering solutions to be:

Material-efficient
Energy-efficient
Low carbon
Durable and maintainable
Optimised for the product lifecycle

Traditional mechanical design focuses on strength, manufacturability and cost.
Our sustainability studies add a fourth dimension:

How does this design affect the environment across its entire lifecycle?

By integrating sustainability early, you reduce waste, improve product performance, and demonstrate responsible engineering — without compromising reliability.

What We Analyse

Using SolidWorks Sustainability and lifecycle datasets, we assess four key environmental indicators:

1. Carbon Footprint (CO₂-e)

The greenhouse gas emissions generated from raw material extraction through manufacturing, transport and end-of-life.

2. Energy Consumption

Total energy required to produce and process materials and manufacture the component.

3. Water Consumption

Water usage attributed to material production and lifecycle transformation.

4. Air & Water Pollution Impacts

Environmental impacts associated with material processing and waste streams.

These metrics can be compared across multiple design options, materials or fabrication methods.

Our Consulting Approach

Our work goes beyond software output — we interpret results as engineers and provide actionable guidance.

1. Define the Product, Materials & Duty

We begin by understanding the product’s:

Function
Load case and duty cycle
Required design life
Operational environment
Manufacturing methods

This ensures recommendations never compromise performance.

2. Benchmark the Current Design

We run a baseline sustainability assessment using:

Current material
Current thickness or geometry
Current manufacturing processes

This gives a measurable starting point.

3. Explore Material Alternatives

We compare:

Steel grades
Stainless types
Aluminium alloys
Composites and engineered materials

Each option is evaluated on both environmental impact and mechanical suitability.

4. Structural & Weight Optimisation

Where possible, we explore options such as:

Thickness reduction
Stiffening strategies
Alternative load paths
Topology optimisation
Reduced weld lengths or simplified fabrication

These refinements can significantly reduce material usage.

5. Lifecycle & End-of-Life Considerations

We review recyclability, expected maintenance intervals, and the long-term sustainability profile of the design.

6. Provide Evidence-Based, Buildable Recommendations

Our final studies deliver clear, practical direction — not just graphs:

Which materials are most sustainable and still fit for purpose
What geometric changes reduce impact without adding fabrication complexity
How much carbon reduction is achievable using simple redesign decisions
Opportunities for long-term lifecycle improvement

Typical Deliverables

Depending on the project scope, we provide:

Sustainability Report (PDF) summarising:
- Carbon footprint
- Energy use
- Water consumption
- Environmental impact indices
Comparative study of design options and materials
Bill of Materials analysis showing material contribution to total impact
Optimisation recommendations with quantified benefits
CAD model updates incorporating approved design improvements
Lifecycle assessment notes for ESG documentation or tender submissions

Reports are formatted for presentation to management, regulators or client stakeholders.

Where This Service Adds the Most Value

Environmental impact & material studies are ideal for:

New product development
- Embedding sustainability requirements from day one
Mining and industrial equipment upgrades
- Reducing steel usage, weight, and fabrication footprint
Tender or compliance requirements
- Demonstrating environmental responsibility with data-backed evidence
Corporate ESG objectives
- Supporting sustainability reporting and engineering governance
Cost-saving engineering
- Material optimisation often lowers fabrication cost as well as environmental impact

Why Work With Hamilton By Design?

Engineer-led sustainability analysis — combining mechanical design expertise with lifecycle data
SolidWorks Sustainability integrated directly into our CAD workflow
Practical, buildable recommendations, not theoretical optimisation
Strong mechanical engineering roots — ensuring sustainability never compromises safety or performance
Experience across mining, industrial and manufacturing sectors
Clear communication and documentation tailored for both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Sustainability is not just a checkbox — it’s a smarter way to engineer.

Let’s Improve the Environmental Impact of Your Product

If you want to reduce material use, demonstrate environmental responsibility, or simply design smarter, Hamilton By Design can help you make informed decisions backed by real engineering analysis.

Contact us to discuss your Product — Environmental Impact & Material Study, or integrate this service with: