- Q: Can you give me some guidelines for determining the functional unit when doing an Okala assessment? Answer >
- Q: PVC is a plastic everyone is trying to replace now due to toxicity of chlorine in the product. We were surprised to see the Okala mPts values were so low. Just wondering if you have any feedback on this? Answer >
Ask the Okala Experts
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| July 10, 2009 San Francisco |
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Our product
Introducing SustainableMinds.comTM, an on-demand, Web-based software and information suite that answers the questions: "What is sustainable design?" and "How can we make it work for us?". At the core is design decision support software that enables environmental life cycle assessment and rapid iteration of product concepts in the earliest stages of design.
SustainableMinds.com integrates the science of OkalaTM with existing product design tools and powerful Web 2.0 capabilities to develop the skills and knowledge of designers and their organizations to grow new revenue and markets through sustainable product innovation.
About us
Sustainable Minds' mission is to bring sustainable product design into mainstream product design and manufacturing in an accessible, empowering and credible way.
To do this, we have integrated our knowledge of product design, life cycle assessment and environmental systems design with expertise in Web-based business and software design. The result is powerful functionality delivered by innovative Web technology with the best customer experience!
Company updates
June 1: Sustainable Brands '09 >
The preeminent event for discussing the rapid rise of sustainability as a driver for revenue growth and brand equity in the 21st century. We announced SM at this event last year. Visit our booth this year!
May 19: Greener by Design >
Terry to participate in the panel discussion, "The New Metrics of Design" and the 'Green' Gurus@Play sessions. Check out the post conference article >
Apr 17: COFES Live Interactive Video Broadcast >
Terry to make a guest appearance along with other CAD/CAM industry leaders and luminaries. David Heller, editor at MCADCafe.com says, "I expect a good size audience with lots of questions, and it should be fun!". Check out the video.
Apr 17: Sustainable Minds kicks off DaS Symposium at COFES >
The Design and Sustainability (DaS) Symposium will explore how different sectors are facing the sustainability challenge and discuss areas of common ground, and the drivers behind an increasing need for a tight feedback loop between software and designers at the earliest stages of design. After keynoting on this topic at COFES last year, Terry will kick off the symposium with the session on "Integrating Sustainability into the Design Process" where she will discuss the ideas behind Sustainable Minds, and introduce the emerging 'sustainability performance software' sector. Founding members of The DaS Symposium include Autodesk, Building Smart Alliance, CIFE, Cyon Research, Gensler, Siemens, SolidWorks, and Sustainable Minds.
Mar. 26: o2NYC: Sustainable Minds presents to o2NYC's LCA learning group >
o2NYC has started a learning group whose goal is to understand life cycle assessment, and to develop skills as design professionals to provide the systems thinking approach and holistic understanding that LCA provides. Terry will discuss and demonstrate how or life cycle thinking and assessment can become a key part of the design process.
Feb. 24: TiE: Emerging opportunities in Green IT >
Terry will be a panelist in this event from TiE's software SIG. The discussion will explore how the power of Information and Communication Technology can be leveraged to fight against climate change while improving quality of life; and how the current economic downturn and President Obama's focus on renewable energy create exciting opportunities in Green IT.
Dec. 10: Gartner report recommends Sustainable Minds
"PLM Is Fundamental to Green Products", the latest report from Marc Halpern, Research Director, Manufacturing Advisory Services, explains how manufacturers interested in producing greener products can accelerate progress by getting started now with education and software. SM is the first resource recommended.
Dec. 3: SM's software has its first public preview at Autodesk University >
Sustainable Design In Manufacturing demo shows Autodesk Inventor customers how to use SM results to develop a better understanding of the overall life cycle impact of a design.
Sept. 11: Autodesk strategic relationship announced >
Sustainable Minds teams with Autodesk to address growing sustainable product design market opportunity.
Sept. 16-17: Altair's Americas HyperWorks Technology Conference >
Terry to keynote at this conference that highlights trends in enterprise simulation and how manufacturers are enabling innovation through simulation.
Sept. 10-13: IDSA national conference — Polar Opposites >
Philip White will participate in three sessions covering sustainable design education, research and practice. ALSO — stop by and visit meet us at our booth!
Sept. 9-10, Chief Housewares Executive Supersession >
Steve Belletire will present the session, Sustainability: Creating Retail Opportunities with Sustainable Design.
August 7th: Sustainable Life Media interview, 'Terry Swack on the Green Design Information Gap' >
Learn more about our new information service offerings and why they're needed now more than ever.
August 5th: Ask the Okala Experts and the SM Blog go live!
Public launch of our information services to promote awareness and open knowledge sharing. Check out Ask the Experts and the SM Industry Blog.
August: SM content goes live on MCADcafe.com! >
MCADCafe delivers MCAD news, product, and company info to thousands of MCAD professionals each day.
June 12-13, Greener by Design >
Terry moderated the panel session 'Digital Design Revolution', featuring representatives from Autodesk and Dell.
June 03: SM's Co-founder Inês Sousa at SustainableBrands08! >
Inês along with colleagues from Sustainable Industries Journal, EcoSynergy, SureHarvest and Autodesk participated in the panel session: New Tools for Building More Sustainable Brands. >