【Special Issues:Ecodesign】
Eco-Design in an IT-Networked Society
Jun Fujimoto
Research Center for Advanced Science & Technology,
the University of Tokyo
（4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8904 Japan）

Abstract
This paper discusses new eco-design methods developed in response to future technology demands, and their applications in a sustainable, fully-networked society. The goal of these methods and applications is to lower economic impact while at the same time reducing environmental load.
The new methods differ from conventional eco-design methods in two respects. Firstly, they attach importance to harmonizing environmental technologies with social systems. When lifestyle is integrated with technology, an image of a sustainable society that is a practical objective for the majority of the people, should be created. Once this is achieved, a social demonstration-experiment using individual targets and integrating several different kinds of technology can be conducted. The results from this experiment will be reflected in the development of new environmental technologies and policy-making decisions. This “top-down” approach is a special feature of the new methods being developed. Secondly, the new methods and applications take into consideration ways of using the functions of electrical appliances and products to reduce environmental loads. Some of these products may be very useful in reducing environmental impact. We will focus not only on the environmental loads caused by these products, but also on the benefits to the environment. We have addressed these needs in our eco-designs for a fully-networked generation.

Key words: eco-design, top-down approach, information technology, CO2 emissions, eco-life