INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INTO THE DESIGN PROCESS: THE ROLE OF ECO DESIGN IN UZBEKISTAN
Abstract
Sustainable development has become one of the central objectives of economic policy and industrial modernization worldwide, and Uzbekistan is no exception. As the country undergoes rapid urbanization and industrial growth, the need to design products, buildings, and services that are environmentally responsible becomes increasingly urgent. Eco design—also known as design for environment—offers a systematic framework for integrating ecological thinking into the entire design process, from concept generation to disposal. This article explores the meaning and principles of eco design, analyzes its current application within Uzbekistan’s industrial and architectural sectors, and discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing eco-friendly design practices. Drawing on global experience and national development programs, it argues that eco design can become a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s sustainable industrial policy if supported by education, regulation, and innovation. The study concludes that eco design can play a transformative role in the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy if supported by education, regulation and innovation.
References
ADB (2024). Uzbekistan Country Partnership Strategy 2024–2028. Asian Development Bank. https://www.adb.org
Brezet, H., and van Hemel, C. (1997). Ecodesign: A promising approach to sustainable production and consumption. United Nations Environment Programme.
Byggeth, S., and Hochschorner, E. (2006). Handling trade-offs in eco design tools for sustainable product development and procurement. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(15-16), 1420–1430.
Erasmus+ Uzbekistan. (2023). Capacity Building for Sustainable Design Education. https://erasmus.uz
European Commission. (2023). Ecodesign Directive and Sustainable Products Regulation. https://environment.ec.europa.eu
Graedel, T. E., and Allenby, B. R. (2010). Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Engineering. Prentice Hall.
ISO 14006:2020. Environmental management systems — Guidelines for incorporating eco design. International Organization for Standardization.
Johansson, G. (2002). Success factors for integration of eco design in product development. Environmental Management and Health, 13(1), 98–107.
Lindahl, M. (2013). Eco design and sustainability: Time to shift focus from products to systems. Sustainable Development, 21(5), 273–281.
Ministry of Higher Education of Uzbekistan. (2022). Report on Integration of Sustainability Modules in Higher Education. Tashkent.
OECD. (2022). Green Growth and Environmental Performance in Central Asia. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Pigosso, D. C. A., and McAloone, T. C. (2016). Eco design maturity model: A management framework to support eco design implementation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112, 282–298.
UNDP Uzbekistan. (2021). Promotion of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production in the Textile Sector. https://www.undp.org/uzbekistan
UzReport. (2023). Green Architecture Projects in Tashkent City. https://uzreport.news
World Bank. (2023). Uzbekistan Country Climate and Development Report. World Bank Group.




















