House of Lords evidence paper: waste reduction

Dr Chapman's developing international profile has positioned him as a leader in sustainable design teaching, research and scholarly activity, in both academic and industrial contexts. This standing led the House of Lords to invite Dr Chapman to present both written and oral evidence to the Science and Technology Sub-Committee I - one of the main investigative committees in the House of Lords - as part of their Enquiry into Waste Reduction; consulting and advising on issues of product longevity, consumer behaviour and sustainable design within the specific context of EU environmental legislation, and associated governmental policies. Chaired by former MP Lord O'Neill of Clackmannan, the enquiry examined the ways in which products and production processes could be made more sustainable, and therefore produce less waste. As part of this, the Committee explored ways in which design could play a role in reducing the amount of waste produced, and changing consumer attitudes towards sustainability and waste more broadly. Chapman delivered his enabling theoretical framework through which complex issues of meaning, electronic products and waste, may be addressed more effectively within the development of forthcoming environmental policy. The report that followed is set to be instrumental in advising, steering and directing the development and formulation of future governmental policy within the dualistic contexts of product design and sustainability, and was later discussed and critiqued in the House of Commons by Members of Parliament in October, 2008.