Ecofitting circular economy: An alternative approach to market, consumption, and design towards zero emissions

Ecofitting Circular Economy -An alternative approach to market, consumption, and design towards zero emissions is a peer reviewed paper presented at the 2020 EVER Monaco Conference on Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energies, which reports on the initial findings of the research leaded by Artur Mausbach. Mausbach’s research is concerned with the investigation on the aesthetics of sustainability to support the transitions of the automobile. In this project he proposes a new circular economy strategy to contribute towards zero-emissions in a sustainable manner by retrofitting the existing fleet of internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. The research addresses the destiny of 15 million non-compliant ICE cars in the UK alone which are currently expected to be exported, recycled, or disposed of, following the requirements for Ultra Low Emission vehicles and targets for zero-emissions. In response, the project creates the concept of Ecofitting to promote behavioural change, and long-term ownership. Initial research looked at legislation and data from the department of transport to conclude that cars made after 1980 until the implementation of the current emission standards are worthy candidates for Ecofitting. The research also identified trends in automotive design represented by past leanings, the car culture around restoring and customization, the search for meaningful lifestyle, and the behaviour favouring disruptive attitudes, as a possible support to alternative approaches to automotive design. Research on the struggles of automotive industry and retrofitting companies indicates how to create an industry focused on local production and social cohesion. By encouraging the act of reusing, recycling, and updating products in usability, technology and aesthetics, the project promotes whole-life design and provides opportunities to engage a wide network of stakeholders as part of a circular economy. Ecofitting project was awarded by EPSRC CENTS to develop a feasibility study