Date of Award

2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Department

Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering

First Advisor

Gretchen A. Macht

Abstract

Green ergonomics emphasizes the interconnectedness between human well-being and the environment, recognizing the need to design products with optimized performance and minimized ecological footprint. It promotes the integration of environmental considerations, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable materials, into the design of ergonomic solutions. Given the growing urgency to address challenges and transition towards a more sustainable future, it is vital to assess the progress made in integrating the concept of green ergonomics into sustainable product design.

This paper critically examines the extent to which green ergonomics has been integrated into sustainable product design within the ergonomics community over the past decade. This study sheds light on the current status and potential gaps by systematically reviewing relevant literature, examining research practices, and analyzing key initiatives. The systematic literature review was performed in May and June 2023 utilizing Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases. The search initially determined 288 relevant journal articles by their title, and the later detailed screening distinguished a final selection of 59 articles to be included in this analysis. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the progress and challenges in merging ergonomics and sustainability to create more environmentally responsible, human-centric design solutions.

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