The Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT©) is an environmental assessment tool for product design process which will provide assistance to product developers regarding the integration of environmental considerations during the product development process. This will include step by step guidance for the application of various design for environment (DfE) strategies in order to lower environmental burden of the product.

Other features of the tool will be comprehensive list of material and manufacturing processes, relevant to the product development sector; resource impact scores based on life cycle assessment (LCA) data and information regarding EoL (End of Life) options (e.g., reuse, recycling, disposal). The LCA data in the tool will be adapted for the Australian context.

Currently, this tool is a paper-based tool which with support from the Sustainability Fund Grant and will be translated into an on-line tool.

The on-line RAT© project aims to update and expand upon the RAT© methodology first developed in 2005 as a training tool for designers. This project involves expanding and refining the RAT© methodology in consultation with industry stakeholders and project partners (Centre for Design, Sustainability Victoria, Product Ecology and WSP Environmental). The project also includes commencement of communication, marketing and promotion of the RAT© via design, engineering and manufacturing associations, trade shows/conferences and media outlets.

We are seeking input and support from industry to ensure that the tool will be relevant and useful.

If you are interested in finding out more about the online-RAT project please contact Nick Johns, p: +61 3 9925 1918 e: nicholas.johns@rmit.edu.au