Assignment $2$: Material Library Report $40\%$

Due $11$ Apr by $23$:$59$ Points $100$ Submitting a file upload File types pdf Available after $4$ Mar at $0$:$00$

Overview of Assignment

Assessment $2$: Material Library Report $(40\%)$

Due: Week $5$

Description: Individual Task

Please review the Assessment overview for further information.

Rationale $($why$?)$

This assessment will comparatively analyse the impact of a select group of materials, and will be presented in the form of a comparative table.

Method $($how$?)$

Create a Comparative Material Library in order to identify streamlined lifecycle comparisons between a logically comparable set of materials.

This Comparative Material Library will be made up of $4$ materials over $5$ impact areas. If in doubt about which materials to choose consult your tutor.

Using the Higg Index and resources, studies and databases presented to you in class $($and discovered through your own learner directed research$)$ you will asses the ecological and human impact of a selection of linked materials from their raw material state to fibre production and dissemination $($including transportation$).$ For this assessment you need to analyse material impact 'before end use phase' only. Begin by using the Higg MSI tool to find your chosen material's impact scores as a starting off point for your assignment. Then, conduct further research in order to contextualise the findings, evidence claims and further explain impact areas to inform your comparison table. Each material should be chosen strategically and linked by a proposed use case $($though you do not need to asses the use$-$phase impact$)$ in order to show useful comparisons.

Present the information you collect in the form of a table to make the comparison visually applicable as a tool that could be used for future projects. Include $2-3$ additional pages to demonstrate the understanding and research behind your Comparative Material Library ensuring you use references throughout. Include a summary statement that details the benefits and potential issues with assessing materials in this way and what else might need to be considered.$*$

$*$note: these resources are not comprehensive on their own, in particular the Higg Index does not calculate raw material extraction impacts of synthetics$-$ be mindful of this and ensure references are varied and balanced. Also ensure that your data comes from a primary source, and that you are not quoting misleading or unverified statements. Accuracy and critical thinking is important for this assignment and the unpacking of complexity, nuance and conflicting information is encouraged.